As the 2020 election approaches, immigration and border control have become hot-button issues in the United States. In Southeast Texas, where the border with Mexico is a major point of contention, political candidates are taking strong stances on these issues.
The Importance of Immigration and Border Control in Southeast Texas
Southeast Texas is home to several major cities, including Houston, Beaumont, and Corpus Christi. It also shares a border with Mexico, making it a key location for immigration and border control policies. According to the Pew Research Center, Texas has the second-highest number of undocumented immigrants in the United States, with an estimated 1.6 million living in the state as of 2017. This makes immigration a pressing issue for many residents of Southeast Texas. Additionally, the border between Texas and Mexico has been a focal point for debates on border security and illegal immigration. The Trump administration's policies, such as the construction of a border wall and stricter enforcement of immigration laws, have sparked controversy and divided opinions among political candidates in Southeast Texas.The Views of Republican Candidates
As expected, Republican candidates in Southeast Texas generally support stricter immigration policies and stronger border control measures.Senator John Cornyn
, who is running for re-election in 2020, has been a vocal supporter of President Trump's immigration policies.He has consistently voted in favor of funding for a border wall and has called for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Wesley Hunt
, who is running for Congress in Texas' 7th district, also aligns with President Trump's views on immigration. He has expressed support for the construction of a border wall and has called for an end to sanctuary cities, which he believes attract undocumented immigrants.Dr. Ronny Jackson
, who is running for Congress in Texas' 13th district, has also taken a hardline stance on immigration. He has called for increased border security and supports the use of military force to secure the border.The Views of Democratic Candidates
On the other side of the aisle, Democratic candidates in Southeast Texas have taken a more compassionate approach to immigration and border control.MJ Hegar
, who is running for Senate against John Cornyn, has criticized the Trump administration's policies and called for comprehensive immigration reform.She supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and has spoken out against family separations at the border.
Lizzie Fletcher
, who is running for re-election in Texas' 7th district, has also been critical of the Trump administration's immigration policies. She supports a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers (undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children) and has called for more humane treatment of immigrants at the border.Gina Ortiz Jones
, who is running for Congress in Texas' 23rd district, has emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform. She supports a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and has called for increased resources for border security, including technology and personnel.The Impact of Immigration and Border Control on Southeast Texas
Immigration and border control policies not only affect those directly involved, but also have a significant impact on the economy and culture of Southeast Texas. Many industries in Southeast Texas rely on immigrant labor, particularly in agriculture and construction. Stricter immigration policies could lead to labor shortages and negatively impact these industries. Additionally, the diverse population of Southeast Texas is a key aspect of its culture and identity.Immigration policies that target specific groups or promote discrimination could harm the sense of community in the region.
