Vasquez pledges visa reform and Iran war vote if re-elected

Albuquerque, N.M. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez told NMPBS on Nov. 2 that he would prioritize immigration legislation and efforts to end the Iran War if voters return him to Congress.

Vasquez serves New Mexico’s Second Congressional District. In 2024, the district voted for President Donald Trump for the White House while electing Vasquez to the House. Republicans view the seat as a key target for flipping control of the chamber.

During the interview, Vasquez argued that both political parties have mishandled border policy. He cited his grandmother’s experience, noting it took her 16 years to secure a family visa petition. He contrasted that timeline with the Biden administration's approach, which granted job authorization to many asylum seekers. Vasquez stated that those who followed legal processes felt the system was unfair.

The representative highlighted a bill he introduced called the Care Worker Visa Act. The proposal would create 100,000 new visas for undocumented workers or family caregivers. Under the plan, a household could sponsor a worker for up to three years, after which that person could pursue legal status. Vasquez linked the bill to a local shortage, noting 15,000 children in New Mexico currently lack access to universal childcare due to a lack of available workers.

Vasquez also addressed the impact of recent budget changes on food assistance. He said 10,000 children in the state have lost SNAP benefits. He described the loss as $6 a day in purchasing power, equivalent to a can of pinto beans, a small bag of tortillas, and a can of green chile. He said House Democrats will negotiate the budget to restore these cuts if they lead the Appropriations and Agriculture Committees.

On foreign policy, Vasquez said he has voted six times to end the conflict with Iran. He argued the war began without congressional notice or allied support and has increased costs for gas, diesel, and fertilizer. He stated the federal government has not released the total cost of the war.

Vasquez said he would work to cut tariffs and improve trade relations with Canada and Mexico to lower prices for small businesses and residents in the district.