Gov. Jan Brewer says her signing of Arizona's tough new law targeting illegal immigration lit a fire under Washington, leading to President Barack Obama's decision to send National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border.
Brewer on Tuesday issued a statement calling the decision a "very significant and important shift" in the Obama administration's border and immigration policy.
According to Brewer, signing the law "clearly ignited the talk of action in Washington for the people of Arizona and other border states."
Brewer adds that she's pleased that Obama now apparently agrees that the United States must secure the border without other preconditions.
Officials said Tuesday Obama is ordering 1,200 National Guard troops to boost security along the border, and requesting $500 million for border protection and law enforcement activities.
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