Wed Sep 18 16:46:59 UTC 2024: ## Texas Immigration Policies Take Center Stage in Upcoming Elections

**DALLAS** – Immigration continues to be a hot-button issue in the upcoming elections, with Texas at the forefront of the debate. While Congress holds the most power in regulating immigration, their inaction has led states like Texas to take matters into their own hands.

**Operation Lone Star**, a program launched by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, has allocated $11 billion to deploy state troopers and National Guard soldiers to the border, erect barriers, and arrest migrants for violating state laws. This move has sparked controversy, highlighting the conflict between state and federal authority on immigration.

**The article outlines key decision-makers involved in immigration policy:**

* **President:** Sets policy direction but needs Congressional approval.
* **Congress:** Holds the power to pass comprehensive immigration reforms, which hasn’t happened in nearly 40 years.
* **State Legislature:** Funding for border security initiatives and passing bills like SB4, which empowers local law enforcement to arrest suspected undocumented immigrants, fall under their jurisdiction.
* **Courts:** Interpret the constitutionality of laws and executive orders related to immigration.
* **Local officials:** While having minimal direct power over immigration, they play a role in enforcing state laws like SB4.

**Recent decisions impacting immigration include:**

* **Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):** The program, protecting undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children, faces legal challenges.
* **Trump-era policies:** Including travel bans, border wall funding, and “Remain in Mexico” were implemented and subsequently reversed under President Biden.
* **Texas Sanctuary City Ban:** Prohibits cities from limiting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration officials.
* **Texas Sweeping Immigration Law:** Grants state and local police the power to arrest undocumented migrants and allows judges to deport them.

**The article emphasizes key races to watch:**

* **Presidential Race:** The winner will significantly influence national immigration policy.
* **Senate Races:** Each seat can shift the balance of power in the Senate, particularly in Texas, where Sen. Ted Cruz is facing a challenge from Democrat Colin Allred.
* **House Races:** Control of the House hinges on a few key races, including nine in North Texas.
* **Texas State Legislature:** State lawmakers control funding for border security initiatives and will determine the future of policies like Operation Lone Star.

With immigration taking center stage in the upcoming elections, voters across the country will be closely scrutinizing the candidates’ stances on this complex and controversial issue.

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