As border debate shifts right, Sen. Alex Padilla emerges as persistent counterforce for immigrants
Alex Padilla is taking practically every opportunity to put his stamp on the Democratic Party’s approach to immigration
By STEPHEN GROVES
Published - Apr 27, 2024, 12:10 AM ET
Last Updated - May 27, 2024, 01:06 AM EDT
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden had a question.
It was exactly the kind of opening Padilla was hoping to get with the Democratic president. Biden was weighing his reelection campaign, executive actions on immigration and what to do about a southern border that has been marked by historic numbers of illegal crossings during his tenure.
Padilla wanted to make sure Biden also took into account the potential of the country's immigrants. “Mr. President, do you know what I call them, those students?" Padilla recalled saying. “It’s the workforce of tomorrow.”
