They didn’t make a majority of Texas voters happy on a single issue, but the Republican majority in the Legislature made most of their own voters happy — and then drew maps that minimize political threats to them in the November general election.
Immigration
In-depth reporting on border issues, policies, communities, and the impact of immigration across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
“Happy to see you again”: U.S. reopens land borders with Mexico to vaccinated travelers after 19 months
The ports of entry were closed in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Mexican nationals will need to present proof of vaccination to enter the U.S.
Posted in
University of Texas/Texas Tribune Polls
Joe Biden’s popularity continues to plunge with Texans on issue of economy, border security and COVID-19, UT/TT Poll finds
Gov. Greg Abbott has a higher approval rating among Texans than Biden, but more Texans still disapprove of the governor’s performance than approve.
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Criminal Justice
In latest blunder, charges dropped against migrants arrested in Texas governor’s border crackdown because of faulty paperwork
The migrants were arrested for trespassing, but court documents failed to specify what property they allegedly trespassed upon. It’s the latest misstep in implementation of Greg Abbott’s border initiative, which has seen frequent violations of state law and disregard for due process rights.
Posted in
State Government
Congressional Democrats ask feds to investigate whether Texas migrant arrests violate constitutional rights
Under a Gov. Greg Abbott initiative, more than 1,600 migrants have been arrested for allegedly trespassing on private property after crossing the Texas-Mexico border. The arrests and subsequent imprisonment of the migrants have led to state law violations and constitutional concerns.
Posted in
State Government
Five firms being considered for design and construction of Texas-Mexico border wall that Gov. Greg Abbott promised
One of the companies being considered previously built a 3-mile barrier that is at risk of falling into the Rio Grande.
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Immigration
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Biden administration in bid to force construction of U.S.-Mexico border wall
Paxton and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt argue that Biden can’t legally stop border wall construction after Congress dedicated money for the project. They previously sued the administration to force it to restore the “remain in Mexico” policy.
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Texas 2022 Elections
Analysis: Texas legislators set the table for the 2022 elections
The controversial issues you’ve heard Texas lawmakers debate for most of the year aren’t going away; many of them will be argued all over again during the 2022 elections.
Posted in
Immigration
Biden administration says it’s ready to restore “remain in Mexico” policy along border next month
A court ordered the administration to resume the Trump-era policy that sends asylum-seekers to Mexico to await U.S. court hearings. But Mexico has to agree to accept them.
Posted in
Higher Education
“An invisible identity”: This undocumented young Texan faces uncertainty after DACA applications are closed
A University of Texas at Austin student who planned to apply to an Obama-era initiative for immigrants who came to America as children is stuck in limbo after a Texas judge halted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.