Leaders in the state’s construction industry say changing Texas law to crack down on employers who knowingly misclassify unauthorized workers could spur national immigration reform.
Julián Aguilar
Julián Aguilar reported for the Tribune from 2009 to 2021, most recently on politics and on the Texas-Mexico border. He focused on immigration reform and enforcement, voter ID, international trade, border security, and the drug trade. His political coverage has included local, legislative and congressional races in Texas, as well as local and national elections in Mexico. Before joining The Texas Tribune, he was a freelance writer for the Fort Worth Weekly, a government and crime reporter for the Laredo Morning Times, and a political writer for the Rio Grande Guardian. A native of El Paso, he has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas and a master's degree in journalism from the Frank W. Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism at the University of North Texas.
Posted in
Demographics
Ahead of Session, “Sanctuary Cities” Debate Renews
Gov. Rick Perry reiterated his support for the ban on “sanctuary cities” on Monday, the same day opponents of such measures said that a Supreme Court decision on a controversial Arizona law did not automatically pave the way for Texas to enact its own immigration policies.
Posted inState Government
U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Arguments in Voting Rights Case
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments in a legal challenge to Congress’ renewal of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and a key provision that determines if Texas can pass laws that affect state and local elections.
Posted inState Government
George P. Bush Files Paperwork With Ethics Commission
George P. Bush filed paperwork with the Texas Ethics Commission on Wednesday, seemingly in preparation for a run for local or statewide office.
Posted in
Demographics
Rep. McCaul: Immigration Reform Possible Next Session
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, said on Thursday that passing comprehensive immigration reform is possible in the next session of Congress, but he said it would be difficult. He also is encouraged by recent developments in Mexico.
Posted in
State Government
Democrat Has Reputation for Political Brawling
The outnumbered Texas House Democrats have plenty of leaders, insists state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, of San Antonio. But that hasn’t stopped the chairman of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus from taking center stage.
Posted in
Demographics
House Democrats Want Hearing After Fatal DPS Shooting
House Democrats are asking to convene an emergency hearing on Texas Department of Public Safety policies after the fatal shooting of two Guatemalan nationals last week in La Joya.
Posted in
Economy
U.S.-Panama Trade Pact Brings Hope, Controversy
A free trade agreement between the U.S. and Panama takes effect Wednesday, bringing with it the controversy over jobs and taxes that is associated with all tariff-reducing agreements.
Posted inState Government
Faceoff Between State, Election Observers Continues
In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Attorney General Greg Abbott reaffirmed his position that international election observers would be held to the same standards as all others and not get extra access.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Court Upholds Ban on Gun Sales to Those Younger Than 21
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court’s ruling that banning the purchase of handguns by people younger than 21 does not infringe on those individuals’ constitutional privileges.
