At a National Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C., Democratic Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt found common ground on President Donald Trump’s key goal of immigration enforcement and issuing work permits. Both governors expressed the desire for states to have a say in immigration decisions and granting work permits based on careful vetting. Polis emphasized that allowing states to grant work permits would help economic growth by addressing labor needs. Despite Colorado having sanctuary-style laws limiting cooperation with federal authorities, Polis insisted on maintaining a strong relationship with federal law enforcement agencies.
Stitt echoed Polis’ sentiments by advocating for workforce visas at the state level, matching employers with employees in various industries. He emphasized the need to choose the best and brightest individuals to enter the country to contribute to its growth. Stitt also launched Operation Guardian in Oklahoma to work with local law enforcement and the Trump administration to deport criminal illegal aliens. While he supported enforcing immigration laws, Stitt criticized efforts by the Oklahoma State Department of Public Instruction to check the immigration status of children enrolled in public schools, emphasizing that such measures were unnecessary for young children.
The disagreement over checking school children’s immigration status highlighted a rift within the Republican Party in Oklahoma, with Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters criticizing Gov. Stitt for not aligning with Trump’s America First agenda. Walters argued that failing to check the immigration status of school children undermined the president’s stance on illegal immigration and the burden it places on taxpayers. Despite this internal conflict, Stitt remained focused on working with federal authorities to deport criminal illegal aliens in Oklahoma, prioritizing the safety and well-being of citizens.
Both Polis and Stitt emphasized the importance of states having a seat at the table in immigration decisions and granting work permits based on individual circumstances. They highlighted the role of states in addressing labor needs and growing the economy through selective immigration policies. While they differed on checking school children’s immigration status, their focus remained on enforcing immigration laws responsibly and collaborating with federal authorities to ensure public safety. The bipartisan agreement between these two governors showcased a rare instance of unity in addressing a critical national issue.
It is clear that both Polis and Stitt value collaboration and dialogue between states and federal authorities in managing immigration policies. They emphasized the need for states to play a role in immigration decisions and address labor needs through responsible vetting processes. Despite differences on certain issues, such as checking school children’s immigration status, both governors remained committed to finding common ground and working together to address the complex challenges surrounding immigration enforcement. Their bipartisan approach serves as a positive example of how governors from different parties can come together to find solutions to pressing national issues.
