The congressional debate about how to address the influx of unaccompanied Central American minors crossing illegally into Texas is likely to re-emerge later this year when lawmakers debate an omnibus budget bill, according to a Texas lawmaker.
Demographics
Explore population trends, diversity, and data shaping Texas communities, politics, and policy.
Posted in
Demographics
In Health Care, Some Organizers Find an Issue to Spur Hispanic Voters
In three of Texas’ most populous counties, organizers are working to use Hispanic support of affordable health care to spur a movement they think could change the state’s electoral tide. Republicans suggest the issue ranks far behind unemployment and the economy — areas where they say their policies have the market cornered.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Dewhurst: Mexico’s Response to Guard is Insulting, Offensive
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst issued a harsh rebuke of the Mexican government on Thursday for issuing what he called an “offensive” statement on the border surge that coincided with the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Posted in
Demographics
What Cruz’s Efforts to End Deferred Action Could Mean for Texas
Ted Cruz calls deferred action for undocumented immigrants “amnesty” and blames it for fueling the surge of Central Americans breaching Texas’ southern border. Repeal is unlikely — but here’s a look at how it would affect Texas.
Posted in
Demographics
Cruz Won’t Threaten Government Shutdown Over Deferred Action
An aide to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said Wednesday night that speculation the Texas Republican would try to force a government shutdown over an immigration measure isn’t coming from the junior senator’s office.
Posted inDemographics
New in TribTalk: Ellen Sweets on Austin’s “Black Problem”
Writer Ellen Sweets says Austin’s “black problem” — the fact that it’s the only fast-growing large city in the U.S. that’s losing African-American residents — is rooted not in race but in the dissipation of a working class.
Posted in
Demographics
For Texas Charities, a Struggle to Send Aid Across the Border
The parish at McAllen’s Sacred Heart Church has acted as a shelter for thousands of Central Americans crossing the border illegally into Texas. An effort to send some of its surplus donations into Mexico is facing hurdles.
Posted in
Demographics
On Border, Questions Over National Guard Troops’ Needs
Democrats say media reports that some National Guard troops on the border haven’t been paid and can’t afford basic necessities are infuriating. Republican Gov. Rick Perry’s office says the National Guard is fully equipped to help them.
Posted in
Demographics
Video: National Guard Troops on Border Struggling Financially
Some of the Texas National Guard troops deployed by Gov. Rick Perry to help secure the border haven’t been paid and are unable to pay for their own food or gas, according to a report from KGBT Action 4 News in the Rio Grande Valley.
Posted in
Demographics
Guard’s Arrival on Border Brings Relief, Concerns
The arrival of the Texas National Guard to the border has been met with praise by some who say the state is taking the lead in securing the border. Others say the deployment is overkill that only serves to hamper the local economy.
