North Austin News

Nov 16 2023

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (Texas-10) has teamed up with Representatives Ronny Jackson (Texas-13) and August Pfluger (Texas-11) to introduce a new legislation that aims to prevent the implementation of a "Remain in Texas" policy for immigrants who cross the border illegally. This move comes as reports suggest that the Biden administration is considering such a policy, which would require certain immigrants to stay in Texas while awaiting eligibility determinations for asylum. All Republican members of the Texas delegation in the House have cosponsored the bill.

In a statement, Rep. McCaul expressed his concerns about the consequences of the Biden administration's border policies. He emphasized that these policies have led to an increase in illegal immigration, human trafficking, and cartel crime. He also highlighted the fact that Texas is already bearing the brunt of this crisis, and the proposed policy would only further burden the state. Rep. McCaul stated, "Our state is not responsible for this administration’s deliberate and fully preventable failures."

Rep. Jackson echoed these sentiments, drawing attention to the pain and destruction caused by open border policies. He criticized the Biden administration for welcoming over 3.8 million illegal immigrants into the United States since taking office. Rep. Jackson raised concerns about the presence of individuals from the terrorist watchlist among these immigrants and emphasized the need to address border policies that harm Americans and destroy their way of life. He stated firmly, "This stops now."

Similarly, Rep. Pfluger emphasized that Texans will not tolerate any "Remain in Texas" plan imposed by the Biden administration. He argued that sanctuary cities that obstruct federal immigration laws and shield criminals from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should not be exempt from the border crisis. Rep. Pfluger made it clear that the proposed policy must be discarded.

The bill has gained support from several other representatives, including Reps. Jake Ellzey (Texas-6), Brian Babin (Texas-36), and Morgan Luttrell (Texas-8), among others. The Texas Public Policy Foundation CEO, Greg Sindelar, also weighed in on the issue, accusing President Biden of shielding sanctuary cities from the consequences of their open-border policies. Sindelar expressed his belief that Texas has been abandoned by the federal government and that the state must take necessary action to protect its sovereignty.

The legislation aims to prevent the implementation of a "Remain in Texas" policy that would force immigrants to stay in the state while their asylum eligibility is determined. It has garnered support from a significant portion of the Texas delegation in the House, showcasing their united opposition to this proposed policy.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

As the debate surrounding immigration policies continues, this new legislation puts forth a clear stance from the Texas delegation in the House. They are determined to prevent the burden of illegal immigration from falling solely on the shoulders of Texas. With their bill, they send a strong message to the Biden administration that the state should not be held responsible for the failures of their border policies.

To find out more, go to this link: https://mccaul.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccaul-joins-texas-delegation-bill-prohibit-remain-texas-policy