Surging In: Texas Slammed by Biden’s Controversial Migrant Parole Program Amid Border Crisis
A Surge of Arrivals
Texas Republicans are expressing outrage over the Biden administration’s parole program for migrants from four countries, which has resulted in a surge of arrivals in the state. Data from January to August 2023 reveals that over 200,000 migrants flew into the U.S. under the program, with Texas airports receiving over 10,000 of them.
Program Details and Criticism
The program, initially implemented for Venezuelans in 2022, was expanded to Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans in January 2023. It allows up to 30,000 individuals per month to enter the U.S., receive work permits, and gain two-year authorization to reside in the country.
Republicans argue that the program violates parole limits set by Congress, which reserve it for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. They also claim it is contributing to the ongoing border crisis.
Texas Hard Hit
Data shows that three Texas cities – Austin, Dallas, and Houston – are among the top 15 destinations for migrants under the program. This influx has put a strain on resources and services in the state.
Frustrations Mount
“The impact is severe,” said Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), highlighting the heightened frustration among Texans over the increasing migrant arrivals. “This parole program is just another layer to the crisis we’re dealing with.”
Governance Challenges
Despite Republican opposition, the program has the support of the Biden administration, which maintains that it provides a safe and orderly path for migrants to enter the U.S. However, with a political stalemate in Washington, Texas Republicans advocate for state-level action to secure the border.
“Much of the leverage has been given up,” stated Roy. “Governors need to do what they have to do because the federal government has abandoned them.”
The Biden administration has characterized the situation as a complex immigration issue and has repeatedly emphasized the need for comprehensive reform. However, the debate over border security and the migrant parole program continues to intensify as the crisis unfolds.
Image Gallery
[Image of Rep. Chip Roy with the caption: “Rep. Chip Roy is proposing a bill to allow people to sue over COVID-19 vaccine side effects.” Credit: Getty Images.]
[Image of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with the caption: “U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has defended the parole program.” Credit: Candace Ward/Getty Images.]
[Image of Sen. Ted Cruz with the caption: “Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has criticized the parole program.” Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images.]
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
