President Donald Trump now claims this privately funded border wall in the Rio Grande Valley — touted as the “Lamborghini” of fences — was built to “make me look bad,” even though the project’s builder and funders are all Trump supporters.
Immigration
In-depth reporting on border issues, policies, communities, and the impact of immigration across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Higher Education
Trump’s ban on new visas will hurt Texas universities, experts say
Universities often hire professors and researchers using H-1B visas. Experts say limiting them only makes U.S. universities less competitive internationally.
Posted inPolitics
Texas organizers and candidates hope to engage a key voting bloc in 2020: South Asian Americans
At least five Texan candidates of South Asian descent are running for county, state and federal office this year, including three who are vying to become the first Asian American congressperson from Texas.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
“It’s insane that this is not even up to me”: International students at Texas universities can’t return without in-person classes
Thousands of international students across the state stand to be affected by the latest ruling from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which stipulates that students on certain visas must have some in-person instruction to be able to return to the country.
Posted in
Immigration
South Texas landowners are hoping to use President Trump’s own words against him in a new border wall lawsuit
Landowners are alleging that the construction of the barrier is driven by little more than racism and politics and is therefore unconstitutional, according to a new lawsuit.
Posted in
The Texas Tribune-ProPublica Investigative Unit
He built a privately funded border wall. It’s already at risk of falling down if not fixed.
Trump supporters funded a private border wall on the banks of the Rio Grande, helping the builder secure $1.7 billion in federal contracts. Now the “Lamborghini” of border walls is in danger of falling into the river if nothing is done, experts say.
Posted in
Immigration
Immigration judges sue Trump administration alleging their free speech rights have been violated
The lawsuit cites a 2020 Department of Justice policy that prohibits judges from speaking about policy or law, even in their personal capacities.
Posted in
Immigration
Federal judge strikes down Trump asylum rule targeting Central Americans
The ruling is a defeat for the government, but it’s unclear what immediate impact it will have during the ongoing pandemic.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Three Texans in Congress exposed to COVID-19 while at detention center
Three members of the Texas congressional delegation were potentially exposed to COVID-19 while touring immigration detention facilities in South Texas. All have tested negative for the virus.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Judge orders ICE to free migrant children from family detention during coronavirus pandemic, report says
The Associated Press reported that a judge wrote in her order that migrant detention centers “are ‘on fire’ and there is no more time for half measures.”