Her record as a proponent of enforcement signals that Mr. Obama will balance border-security concerns with the demands of employers wanting more foreign labor, they said.
"The governor understands that immigration is a federal responsibility, and she has made that pretty clear by asking for federal help," said James W. Ziglar, senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and a former commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Ms. Napolitano's appointment presents an opportunity for Texas officials who frequently questioned Mr. Bush's direction on immigration policy.
"She brings an understanding of the dynamic between strong border security, and at the same time not impeding trade and tourism and retail, which are so important to our border economies," said Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, who spoke to Ms. Napolitano on Monday.
Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, agreed with Ms. Napolitano, a Democrat, on two high-profile initiatives. Both governors opposed the decision to fence the entire 1,950-mile southern border and, later, to withdraw National Guard troops who helped police the border.
Of the border fence, Ms. Napolitano famously said: "You show me a 50-foot wall, and I'll show you a 51-foot ladder."
"As a fellow border governor, she knows the security implications of a porous international border," said Katherine Cesinger, a spokeswoman for Mr. Perry. "Governor Perry would certainly look forward to working with her in her new capacity."
Ms. Napolitano has supported the concept of a "virtual fence," or using surveillance and technology to monitor smugglers.
Her nomination was applauded by business groups who think she'll support efforts to expand guest-worker programs.
As governor, Ms. Napolitano pushed for so-called comprehensive immigration reform. She has supported a temporary worker program and called for a national employer-verification system.
