Arizona's border communities have something to look forward to as they navigate the complexities of the ongoing border crisis. Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) has announced a substantial infusion of federal funds totaling $47,340,665 aimed at tackling the pressing needs they face. This financial package comes from the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), with Gallego having played a pivotal role in securing the funding through Congress.

In a statement obtained by his official website , Rep. Gallego expressed his determination to support his state, saying, "I am proud to have helped secure this critical funding for Arizona. Our border communities are on the frontlines of the border crisis, and we cannot leave them to deal with it on their own." He further vowed to continue his advocacy for additional funds and comprehensive immigration system reform.

Here's how the latest funds are being distributed: the State of Arizona receives $19,256,041, Pima County gets $18,706,639, the Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. in Yuma County is provided with $7,545,622, and the Borderlands Resource Initiative in Pima County will obtain $1,832,363. These funds are an addition to $54,573,093 in SSP funding announced earlier in April, part of a larger $650 million pool secured by Rep. Gallego as part of the government funding package passed in March. He has since urged Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to swiftly disburse the funds and prioritize Arizona's needs.

The support for Arizona's border communities comes on the heels of Rep. Gallego's consistent efforts, including correspondence with FEMA and the Biden Administration. Rep. Gallego, after securing over $2 million in emergency funds last year, rolled out plans to reform FEMA's SSP, ensuring that the state's border communities received their fair share. Following close coordination with local stakeholders, Gallego also took a comprehensive approach—he introduced legislation, like the Buck Stops Here Act, which now law, to curb illicit fentanyl trafficking and backed bills designed to expedite migrant processing and CBP hiring, according to his official website .