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Howard Schultz, opinion contributor Published 11:55 a.m. MT April 29, 2019

Republican members of Congress visit the Yuma border area with U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz. Ronald J. Hansen, The Republic | azcentral.com

Opinion: It is time to reframe the immigration debate and recognize the ways immigration benefits our nations economy, the former Starbucks CEO says.

While stopping in Arizona, I heard from local law enforcement officials, business ownersand residents who shined a light on the national security and human implications of our border crisis and broken immigration system.

Looking at the issue through the eyes of those who live these issues every day reinforced that there are practical, realistic ways to secure our border while recognizing the value immigrants contribute to our economy and communities.

For decades, Washington has failed to enact common-sense immigration reform even though huge majorities of Americans are demanding it. Politicians talk about immigration as a left or a right issue, but as I sat with people in these communities, it was clear they do not view their problems through a partisan lens.

The Arizonans I met simply want political leaders to pass sensible, humane immigration reforms.

I agree with those who say that Americas southern border remains insecure. Our visa system has grown outdated and is insufficient for our countrys security and economic needs. In addition, we must begin to deploy advanced technology to bolster security on the border, enhance our existing border fence and add additional border patrol agents where needed.

I agree with those who say that Americas southern border remains insecure. Our visa system has grown outdated and is insufficient for our countrys security and economic needs.

But Washingtons insistence on weaponizing immigration does nothing to make our country safer or more prosperous. Instead, it unleashes uncertainty and economic disruption that adversely affect communities and economies across the country.

In 2018, Arizonas cross-border trade with Mexico totaled $16.7 billion. But the benefits of our trade with Mexico extend far beyond border states: Mexico is Americas third-largest trading partner with $612 billion in total trade per year, or $1.7 billion per day.

We should be encouraging, not discouraging, trade between our two dynamic economies.

For states like Arizona, the border and the legal immigrants who cross it represent economic growth and opportunity. Our leaders inability to enact common-sense immigration reforms is also disrupting once-thriving border communities that depend on cross-border trade.

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In Nogales, between 2007 and 2017, 24 businesses in downtown closed as customers from Mexico stopped shopping. The population in Nogales also declined by 4 percent from 2010 to 2017, as people moved away, no longer able to make a living.

American communities that depend on sensible immigration policies are suffering the consequences of todays negligent leadership on this issue.

Attitudes of those who live and work near the border and their desire for a solution seem to be lost in politicians discourse about immigration. Arizonans want a secure border, and they also support legal pathways to citizenship for the many hardworking immigrants they call neighbors, business partners, customersand friends.

Similarly, Americans overwhelmingly support a path to citizenship for the "dreamers" who contribute to our economy and know only this country as their home.

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It is time to reframe the immigration debate and recognize the ways immigration benefits our nations economy. Immigrants are job creators: They are twice as likely as native-born Americans to start a business, and 43 percent of Fortune 500 companies are led by first- or second-generation immigrants.

Americas labor force also relies on immigrants: According to the Pew Research Center, without immigrants and their children, the U.S. workforce will decline over the next two decades.

Immigrants fill important jobs that a number of sectors are looking to fill. Today, the U.S. faces critical worker shortages in industries as diverse as technology, farming and construction. Reforming our visa processes would enable law-abiding, skilled immigrants to come here and contribute to our economy.

The only things stopping us from passing legislation that keeps America safe while preventing unwanted crossings and illegal cross-border activity are political will and moral leadership.

As Americans, we have long been a shining example of how to pool diverse ideas and people in ways that expand access to life, liberty, and happiness. It is time for practical, humane immigration policies that secure our border, encourage free trade, stimulate local and domestic economies and welcome hardworking people who have something to contribute to America.

Howard Schultz is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks.He recently announced that he is considering running for president as a centrist independent outside of the two-party system.

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Inaction on immigration reform is hurting Arizona's ...