U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez Thursday told the New Mexico Legislature that cooperation is key to the state’s future success.
Speaking during a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, Vasquez emphasized the importance of collaboration at state and federal levels to address New Mexico’s unique challenges and ensure a prosperous future for all who live here.
“In a time of deep division in our nation, New Mexico continues to be an example for the rest of the nation,” he said. “Here, our history runs deep, our people are proud, and even in disagreement, we work peacefully to find common ground, uplift all of our communities and work toward a future that benefits us all, because we have the same thing in common — we love this state.”
Vasquez’s address covered issues that included infrastructure, public safety, health care and immigration.
Vasquez represents New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes parts of Albuquerque’s Westside and South Valley, plus the entirety of New Mexico’s border with Mexico. He told lawmakers he’s committed to achieving commonsense immigration reform.
He said that means policies that treat people humanely and modernizes border security. Vasquez said the approach being taken by President Donald Trump is wrongheaded.
“I want to make it clear — mass deportation operations and the proposed changes to birthright citizenship will harm our state’s economy, violate who we are as Americans, and violate the United States Constitution,” Vasquez said. “Hard-working immigrants contribute billions to our economy, from family farms to rural businesses and emerging industries, and I will continue to find solutions, not be part of this deeply divisive and political problem.”
He said policy should seek to stop crime and provide a fair shot at residency and citizenship to immigrants who contribute to American communities.
Vasquez concluded with a call for continued collaboration between state and federal lawmakers to tackle what he called New Mexico’s most pressing challenges, from health care and public safety to child poverty and workers’ rights.
“As we look ahead, I am inspired by the resilience and determination of New Mexicans,” Vasquez said. “Our shared values — family, community, and a commitment to justice — guide us in this work. Let’s continue to break down silos between federal and state governments, working hand in hand to address the challenges we face and seize the opportunities before us.”