Navigating Texas Immigration Policy: A Perspective on Border Security, Refugee Placement, and Changing Federal Approaches

Abstract

Texas Immigration Policy Immigration policy Historical Perspective The concept of immigration has been a subject of discussion in United States history since the 17th century. The United States has its values tied to immigration (U.S. Immigration Policy para 1). Immigration has evolved in various stages affecting both the citizens of the US and the immigrants. Immigration results from several factors such as wars, natural calamities, political and economic instability, and employment search. The united states have experienced distinct eras of immigration, including world war I and II, the industrial era, and the post 9/11. They played a significance in the alteration of immigration laws and policies. After the September terrorist attack in 2011, the Patriot Act was adopted under title IV of the constitution to protect the border. The United States has experienced a continual change of immigration policy due to various political and social pressures. Texas is a home for many immigrants and has the second largest population of immigrants in the government. The federal government has the responsibility to set up immigration policies and implement them while the states can set up policies necessary for the government's smooth running. There has always been a dispute on immigration policies between states and the federal government. The government of Texas has always been at loggerheads with the federal government on the issue of immigration. The concept of immigration raises concern for the environment, security, and human rights. Statement of the current policy Due to the rise in immigrants' number, the Texas government has tried to limit Texas immigration. In the United States, the current Immigration policy is governed by a body called The Immigration and Nationality Act. According to (Aguilar 2020), Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott announced in January that the State would not accept any refugees in 2020 following President Trump's executive order that gave states the authority to refuse refugees' placement. The Texas governor is also seen to take trolls on President Biden’s new immigration policies on border security. President Biden is taking a friendly approach in handling the immigrants compared to the previous administration. Texas State does not support the new administration on the executed immigration policies. The State values border security while President Biden considers humanity for all. Senate Bill 4 is a current policy passed by Governor Greg Abbott. The law allows law enforcement officers to question immigrants whether they had past been arrested or detained. This bill also ensures local governments enforce federal immigration laws. The bill also bans sanctuary cities and punishes officers who publicly endorse these sanctuary cities. Reasons for initiating immigration Changes Immigration has a positive impact and also a negative impact. Texas was the first State to implement President Trump's executive order on immigration. The reason behind the refusal of refugees is to uphold the needs of the Texans. The Governor of Texas argues that there are homeless Texans whose needs should be prioritized fast before those of refugees. According (Ana et al. 2010), President Trump referred to Latinos as rapists and drug dealers. The essentiality of the Senate Bill 4 is to cut off the increasing Latino population significantly Policy options to be considered Restrict immigration; the united states have always suffered the baggage of solving the world's problems from wars, pangs of hunger, and diseases. Immigration has made US citizens' lives tough, and they are struggling to keep their economic needs. Reducing the number of visas awarded annually to immigrants and refugees helps restrict immigration. It is also reasonable to deny citizenship to children belonging to foreigners to reduce the number of immigrants. Strengthening border security and deportation of foreigners who overstay with their visas limits immigration. Pros Restricting immigration cuts on the spending of its citizens Ensuring border security prevents smuggling of drugs and prevents harmful people from entering the country The citizens of the country will utilize the job opportunities available in an adequate manner. Cons Immigrants are known to work and service the elderly population; hence restricting them is a de-service to the elderly. Fencing borders cut international relations with trade partners and associates with the United States. Restricting immigrants leads to alienation and separation of family among the immigrants and the native Americans. It also derails new talent, ambition, and scientific techniques. Admitting immigrants with high skilled labor; the world is in an intense competition for talent. Opening room for immigrants with elite minds such as engineers and scientists’ paves the way for industrial and technological progress. Offering scholarships to students from foreign countries in the technical and scientific fields with a promise to benefit the...