Federal Appeals Court Upholds Texas DREAM Act
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit delivered a blow to Texas by upholding the Texas DREAM Act, which grants in-state tuition to illegal aliens. This flawed ruling undermines federal law and compromises Texas’ ability to protect its citizens. Strong Borders is subsequently calling on the Texas Legislature once again to convene a special session and address the flaw in § 54.052 of the Texas Education Code, to rectify this detrimental ruling.
The court’s decision allows illegal aliens who meet residency requirements to continue paying in-state tuition fees. This disregards the clear intent of federal law and their unlawful presence in the state and country. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 explicitly restricts states from providing certain postsecondary education benefits to illegal aliens. Incredibly, the Fifth Circuit held that in-state tuition subsidies do not constitute a postsecondary education benefit, a notion that flies in the face of reality. By neglecting the plain meaning of federal law, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals undermines fairness in education and puts American citizens last. It is imperative to repeal the Texas DREAM Act and rectify this flawed ruling to once again put Americans first, not illegal aliens.
Abbott’s Rio Grande Buoy Barrier Begins Deployment
Last week, Texas DPS collaborated with other law enforcement agencies and took decisive action by initiating the construction and implementation of a groundbreaking border barrier tool—a floating barrier on the Rio Grande. Although not mandated by recent legislative sessions, this strategic plan, which has been in development for some time, is being funded from the $5.1 billion in appropriations to Operation Lone Star.
This follows a series of operations led by Texas Border Czar Mike Banks, aimed at deterring illegal entry into the state of Texas along the banks of the Rio Grande. Notably, there have been instances where CBP officials have displayed frustration and resistance towards Texas’ proactive measures to secure our border. This includes the removal of concertina wire, which essentially allowed a group of illegal individuals to enter our state unhindered.
These occurrences highlight the pressing need for Texas to complete the construction of the authentic Texas border wall. In addition, there is a need for legislation that empowers Czar Banks with the necessary authority to lawfully repel and remove every illegal entrant. To accomplish this effectively, we need to establish a dedicated border force, consisting of law-abiding Texas citizens, preferably with a law enforcement background.
Mandatory E-Verify in Florida Reduces Illegal Population
Florida recently enacted Senate Bill 1718, imposing strict regulations on illegal immigration in the state. Notably, the legislation requires all employers, public and private, with more than 25 employees to use the E-Verify in order to confirm the legal status of new hires. It also criminalizes knowingly transporting illegal aliens into the state and revokes the use of a specific list of drivers licenses given to illegal aliens, mostly issued by blue states.
The bill’s inclusion and implementation of the E-Verify system includes a carve-out for businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This has already sent a message to illegal aliens in the state of Florida that they are not welcome. Many have left the state in droves. This proves that the effectiveness the measure has on reducing the presence of illegal aliens in any given jurisdiction. In other states, E-Verify has been shown to reduce illegal alien presence by up to fifty percent. Texas needs to follow Florida’s lead while going even further by mandating E-Verify for all employers. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst and Rep. Steve Toth filed legislation to this effect during the 88th legislative session, but both bills died in their respective chambers, as the Texas House failed to grant a hearing to Toth’s bill.