He also declined my request to increase the National Guard commitment, did not commit to build and extend the fence, and refused to pay the federal obligations for incarceration expenses – over $750 million just since 2003.

While the meeting was cordial and respectful, and I appreciate the opportunity to share the deep concerns of our citizens, a continued lack of action is devastating to Arizona. Washington’s continued reluctance to secure our border – with no political strings attached – only suggests the possibility of further violence, failures and delay.  No more political two-steps!  Now is the time to simply and honestly secure our international border.

It is my hope that the President has a change of heart and takes the time to personally meet in Arizona with our hard-working border enforcement agents, local law enforcement, border-region ranchers, and others who are confronted daily with Arizona’s border crisis and see for himself their problems and their justifiable fears.  Until operational control of the border by the federal government is achieved, Arizonans and indeed our nation remain at risk.

Following our meeting today, I’m encouraged that there may be a new and more open willingness for direct dialogue between the federal government and Arizona.  However, as I have said before, illegal immigration will not be solved by the promises that have been made, but rather, by the tangible results on the ground.

The President should see for himself how a lack of enforcement has turned Arizona into the superhighway of illegal drug and human smuggling activity. 

My invitation to come to Arizona remains open.