If lawmakers do not act to address the immigration crisis on Texas’ southern border before their August break, smugglers will get the message that the government does not take the crisis seriously, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says.
Demographics
Explore population trends, diversity, and data shaping Texas communities, politics, and policy.
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Demographics
Analysis: A Border Plan — and a Political One
Gov. Rick Perry said a plan to send National Guard troops to the state’s border with Mexico was necessary because the federal government isn’t doing enough there. The move could also address a political weak spot he discovered in his 2012 presidential run.
Posted inDemographics, Economy, Health care, Higher Education, Immigration, Politics, Public Education
Series: Falling Behind
Check out Falling Behind, our 10-part series on the flip side of state leaders’ aggressive pursuit of the “Texas Miracle” — from water woes and backed up traffic to missed opportunities in public education and climate change.
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Demographics
Perry Sending Guard Troops to the Border
Gov. Rick Perry announced Monday that he is sending up to 1,000 National Guard troops to help beef up security along the Texas-Mexico border. The operation will cost an estimated $12 million a month.
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Demographics
Feeling “Invisible,” Black Residents Leave Austin
Among large, fast-growing cities, Austin is the only one with a shrinking African-American population, according to a report from the University of Texas at Austin.
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Criminal Justice
Lost in a Pressing Crisis at the Border: Perpetual Immigration Issues
As attention centers on the thousands of unaccompanied minors crossing the Texas-Mexico border, activists in the Rio Grande Valley are working hard to ensure that their ongoing campaigns continue to gain traction after the current crisis subsides.
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Demographics
Patrick, Van de Putte Take Aim at Border Crisis
As the recent surge of Central Americans entering the country illegally through Texas’ border with Mexico has drawn national attention, it has also become a major talking point for the 2014 candidates for lieutenant governor.
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Demographics
Undocumented Journalist Faces Uncertain Future After Detention
Jose Antonio Vargas, the country’s highest-profile undocumented immigrant, was detained by Border Patrol officials in McAllen on Tuesday. Now all eyes are on the federal government, which must decide whether to begin deportation proceedings or let Vargas stay.
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Criminal Justice
Texas Democrats Divided Over Bill Targeting Border Crisis
Proposed legislation to address the surge of unaccompanied Central American children crossing into the U.S. is dividing Texas’ border lawmakers.
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Criminal Justice
Vigil Near Shelter in Support of Migrants Sparks Concern
Immigrant rights groups began a three-day vigil in McAllen on Thursday in support of the thousands of unaccompanied and undocumented Central American children in Texas detention centers.
