Texas Immigration: Border Issues, policy & communities

Deferred action recipients can get a two-year reprieve from deportation proceedings and a work permit. Undocumented immigrants who have lived in the country for at least five straight years, are in school or have graduated from high school or have obtained a GED, or are honorably discharged from the military, may apply.

USCIS Announces Instructions for Deferred Action Renewals

By Julián AguilarJune 5, 2014

UPDATED: Two years after President Obama announced his executive decision on deferred action, benficiaries are nothing the anniversary with gratitude and trepidation. And they now have instructions on renewing their status.

Debate over the immigration plank of the Republican Party of Texas' platform will be a key part of the GOP's convention in Fort Worth from June 5-7, 2014.

Demographics

Immigration Debate Poised to Have Starring Role at GOP Convention

By Alexa UraJune 5, 2014

With the long and contentious 2014 primary season over in Texas, it’s state party convention time. And as Texas Republicans meet this week in Fort Worth to work on their party platform, immigration is set to be a key point of discussion.

Participants in a rally for immigration reform marched toward the Texas Capitol on Feb. 22, 2013.

Demographics

Draft of State GOP Platform Cuts Guest-Worker Language

By Alexa UraJune 4, 2014

An early draft of the Republican Party of Texas’ platform shows that language approved two years ago supporting a guest-worker program could be removed.

Criminal Justice

Federal Task Force to Address Surge in Child Migrants Crossing Border

By Julián AguilarJune 2, 2014

The increase of unaccompanied children caught crossing the Mexican border into the U.S. has prompted the Obama administration to create a multiagency task force to address the issue.

BorderPlex CEO Rolando Pablos,U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser.

Criminal Justice

Cornyn Tours Ciudad Juárez in Low-Key Trip to Mexico

By Julián AguilarMay 30, 2014

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn made his first-ever trip to Ciudad Juárez on Friday and said he felt safe in the border city. He said that was partially due to U.S. help in Mexico, and also said the U.S. bears some responsibility for the violence.

Republican State Sen. Dan Patrick chats with reporters at a polling station in Cypress, Texas Tuesday, May 27, 2014 to stump for votes in his runoff against against incumbent Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

Demographics

Eyeing Hispanic Voters, Patrick Shifts His Tone

By Alexa UraMay 29, 2014

The conciliatory tone that marked Dan Patrick’s victory speech was unlike the fiery immigration rhetoric voters were accustomed to. But it’s an approach he will have to take in a general election battle against Leticia Van de Putte.

A number of Mexican nationals are in the United States on treaty investor visas, which allow them to operate businesses here. Some are taking issue with recent changes to the requirements on renewing those visas.

Criminal Justice

Changes to Treaty Investor Visas Could Have Impact on Border Cities

By Julián AguilarMay 29, 2014

Treaty investor visas allow foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. if they make substantial investments here. Some visa holders are crying foul over new renewal requirements, and some advocates worry the changes could impact some border cities’ economies.

Eloisa Tamez stands near the border fence built on land formerly owned by her family.

Criminal Justice

Indigenous Texans Want United Nations Support Against Border Fence

By Julián AguilarMay 22, 2014

A Native American tribe has added a new layer to the border wall debate. Lipan Apaches allege the fence discriminates against them because they’ve been forced to give up some tribal land to accommodate it.

Soldiers ride on a street in Miguel Aleman, a city in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, in 2010.

Criminal Justice

Vela: It’s in America’s Interest to Show Support for Mexican Security Plan

By Julián AguilarMay 20, 2014

As Mexico plans to deploy federal forces to a border state to quell a rash of violence there, U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela says a U.S. endorsement will help the strategy succeed. But analysts have some serious concerns about the strategy.