As Texas politicians criticize the Biden administration for abandoning border states in the face of the illegal migrant crisis, Republicans in Texas are seeking bills that would render unlawful crossing from Mexico a crime.
Texas Has To Look After Itself
According to Fox News, the Republican measure would also establish a Border Protection Unit, a bigger state border enforcement group, to deal with the influx of migrants.
In order to become law, the measure must be approved by the Texas state legislature by the end of May.
A governor-appointed unit chief will lead the Border Protection Unit and might assemble a militia of law-abiding citizens to take part in unit functions and operations.
Captured illegal immigrants could receive up to ten years in jail and penalties of several thousand dollars.
The Sheriff of Zavala County Eusevio Salinas stated that currently, they are able to utilize all assistance they can get since they’re overwhelmed down there and on the boundaries.
Texas Takes Matters Into Own Hands, Moves To Make Illegal Immigration a State Felony https://t.co/5GBa5Xr5Pm Every state should do this since our Federal Govt. won't!!!
— Arona (@Arona70669987) March 16, 2023
The proposed legislation was prompted by Texas Republicans’ demands that the Biden administration pays Texas back for its involvement in Operation Lone Star, which was used to address the border situation.
GOP Rep. Pat Fallon declared in a statement that Texas has already been compelled by this administration to secure the border on its own. He said they cannot stop the flow of illegal immigrants on their own.
He added that Operation Lone Star served as a key weapon. Thus far in the fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol has encountered approximately 800,000 migrants.
The draft legislation states the Texas legislature has the sacred duty to safeguard and protect the inhabitants of Texas, acting in tandem with the governor. Texas is in such immediate peril that any delay is impossible.
Texas state Republicans are pushing to make illegal immigration a felony and create a larger state patrol team to address the surge in migrants.
The move comes as Texas lawmakers accuse the Biden admin of not adequately supporting border states. https://t.co/Tur97elwoi
— Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) March 15, 2023
Rep. Cody Harris, a Palestinian-American who co-authored the bill, stated they want individuals to come here legitimately. They said they don’t oppose immigration. In fact, they want individuals to adhere to the procedure, acculturate, and carry it out properly.
If the proposal is approved, immigrants who enter private property might also be prosecuted with a third-degree felony. Some are concerned this may endanger immigrants’ chances of living the American dream even before it begins.
Biden Abandons Texas
Everyone has the right to pursue the American dream; yet, they have to do it according to the proper procedures, said Rep. Harris.
He added that the government has a responsibility to engage in the debate about if changes need to be made at the federal level in order to make it simpler for people to enter the country legally.
Due to the huge issue that illegal immigration has caused in Texas under the existing system, the decision to create a new felony is on the table.
This article appeared in The Patriot Brief and has been published here with permission.
