On the Texas side of the U.S. border with Mexico, an estimated half a million people live in colonias, impoverished subdivisions that often lack basic services. Take our video tour of some of the worst — and most improved — conditions.
Immigration
In-depth reporting on border issues, policies, communities, and the impact of immigration across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
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Demographics
Red Tape, Catch-22s Slow Progress in Texas Colonias
Conditions have clearly improved in Texas’ colonias since devious developers first established them for migrant workers in the 1950s. But many efforts have fallen short, the result of bureaucratic nightmares and a spiral of confusion and fees.
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Demographics
Proof of Legal Status Now Required for State-Issued ID Cards
An amendment attached to SB 1 during the special session will require applicants for driver’s licenses and other state-issued identification cards to produce government-issued documents affirming their legal status.
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Demographics
Mexico and the U.S. Agree to Terms on Trucking Deal
U.S. and Mexico inked a deal today that marks the end of a years-long dispute over how far past the border long-haul tractor-trailers can travel.
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Demographics
Video: The Week In Texas Politics: June 27 – July 1, 2011
Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We’ve made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome.
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Demographics
Lawmaker to State Troopers: Help Fight Drug Cartels
A border-area lawmaker in Texas wants state troopers to help the federal government stop southbound weapons and funds that are boosting Mexican drug cartels. Hernán Rozemberg of public radio’s Fronteras Desk reports.
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Demographics
Video: Texas Tea Party Voters Disappointed
Tea Partiers thought this session was their time to shine, after helping to elect and elevate the GOP to supermajority status in the state House. As The Texas Tribune’s Thanh Tan reports, they’re disappointed some of their pet issues were not resolved.
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Demographics
Perry and Latinos Coexist Uneasily in Politics
Gov. Rick Perry position on “sanctuary cities” doesn’t play well with Latino voters but his record of job creation and his business-friendly approach may cause some to look beyond that if he decides to seek the White House.
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Demographics
A Rare Win for Democrats
Call it the biggest consolation prize in recent history of the state legislature. Democrats, outnumbered in both chambers, actually won the battle over immigration after losing out to the Republican supermajority on abortion and Voter ID legislation and deep cuts to public services, mainly health care and education.
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Demographics
Rick Perry: Deft Leader or Teflon Governor?
Attribute it to a Teflon coating, to his decisive win in a divided primary last year, or to luck, but Gov. Rick Perry is coming out of the 82nd legislative session without many bruises.