A top immigration lawyer says activist immigrants like the DREAM 9 in Arizona betray the cause they champion and can dilute important cases like that of Carlos Gutierrez, who sought asylum in the U.S. after criminal gangs cut his legs off.
Immigration
In-depth reporting on border issues, policies, communities, and the impact of immigration across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Demographics
In the Texas Funeral Industry, Few Hispanics
When funeral directors from across the country gathered in Austin last week, they learned about Mexican traditions while honoring their colleagues who have died. Hispanics are underrepresented in the funeral industry in Texas and the nation.
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Criminal Justice
Border Probation Officers See Hope in Reduced Juvenile Offenders
In the Eagle Pass area, the number of juvenile felony cases referred to Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Bruce Ballou has fallen more than 40 percent since 2012. It’s a sign, he says, that his rehabilitative approach is working.
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Criminal Justice
Dewhurst Urges Obama to Pay Texas for Jailed Immigrants
UPDATED: Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst sent the president a letter demanding repayment for the more than $156.6 million that Texas counties have spent since 2011 on jailing undocumented immigrants with federal detainers.
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Criminal Justice
Cornyn Has “Grave Concerns” About DHS Nominee
UPDATED: U.S. Sen. John Cornyn says President Obama’s choice to succeed former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano lacks the experience to head the agency.
Posted in
Demographics
With Shutdown Over, Immigration Reform Advocates Step Up Efforts
After President Obama on Thursday said that Congress can now focus on tackling immigration reform after ending the federal shutdown, advocates called on Congress to fix the system before the end of the year.
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Politics
Polling Center: Deflecting Immigration Questions
Uncomfortable questions about in-state tuition might prompt candidates like Greg Abbott to reach into Rick Perry’s bag of tricks for an issue that addresses immigration issues without inflaming the wrong voters.
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, Demographics, Immigration
Interactive: The Cost of Jailing Undocumented Immigrants in Texas
A state law passed in 2011 requires Texas jails to report monthly estimates of the cost to house undocumented immigrants. This interactive table shows the total number of immigrants housed and the cost to each county from October 2011 to September 2013.
Posted in
Demographics
Abbott Urges Reform, Not Repeal, of DREAM Act
While other Republicans make noise about repealing the law that lets young undocumented immigrants pay in-state tuition rates, the front-running GOP candidate for governor has been silent on the issue. Aides say he wants to reform the law — not repeal it.
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Criminal Justice
Mexican Exiles Speak Out Against Claims They’re Gaming Asylum System
As lawmakers in Washington call for a review of how asylum law pertains to Mexicans seeking protection, one Mexican exile is embarking on his own public relations campaign.