An Easter Message from Strong Borders President Chris Russo
As we commemorate Christ’s eternal sacrifice on this Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion, it is important for Christians to pause and reflect on the foundation of our Faith. Though our nation faces many challenges, we must always remember Jesus Christ’s victory on the Cross and the great hope of His Resurrection. As we enter into the holiest days in the liturgical calendar, we hope you will take time to pray, give thanks, and spend time with those you love. Happy Easter to all.
Priority Bill Alert: SB 1798 on In-State Tuition Repeal and SB 324 on Universal E-Verify Set for Committee Hearings Tuesday, 4/22
Two of our top priority bills for the session will be heard in committees in the Texas Senate next Tuesday, April 22. We strongly encourage all Texans to attend and register to testify in favor of these bills. These bills are also priority legislation for the Republican Party of Texas.
The Texas Senate Committee on Education K-16 will hear SB 1798 by Mayes Middleton (R, SD-11) and Charles Schwertner (R, SD-5). The hearing will take place at 11 AM or upon Senate adjournment in E1.028 in the Capitol Extension.
This bill seeks to repeal in-state tuition and other state financial aid for illegal aliens, who currently qualify for these programs if they meet certain requirements.
The Texas Senate Committee on Business & Commerce will hear SB 324 by Lois Kolkhorst (R, SD-18) on Tuesday morning. This bill seeks to require all Texas employers to utilize E-Verify to ensure legal hiring practices for new employees and deter illegal immigration. The hearing will take place at 8 AM in E1.012 in the Capitol Extension.
Texans for Strong Borders President Testifies in Favor of the 287(g) Program
Texas for Strong Borders President Chris Russo testified in Austin earlier this week in support of HB 5580, the companion bill to SB 8. In his testimony, he offered several suggestions to strengthen the bill.
Should this legislation pass, it would require sheriffs’ departments in counties with populations exceeding 100,000 residents to enter into a 287(g) agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.
In his testimony, Chris Russo explained that “the 287(g) program is absolutely vital to delivering on the campaign promises that the Trump administration offered and the voters approved in November.”
Russo explained that throughout ICE’s history, the organization has lacked the resources required to execute and enforce federal immigration law. If local law enforcement joined ICE, it would significantly improve ICE’s ability to successfully execute the Trump administration’s deportation efforts.
Russo further stated that currently, ICE is not financially equipped to pursue even “the most dangerous criminal aliens.”
Russo recommended that the bill be strengthened by requiring all Texas law enforcement agencies to participate, not just the sheriff’s departments in counties over 100,000 in population. At a minimum, all counties in the Texas-Mexico Border region, regardless of the population, should be required to participate in the 287(g) program.
This bill is currently pending in the subcommittee.