WEATHER ALERT
Texas Immigration court backlog now over 2.5 million cases
Read full article: Texas Immigration court backlog now over 2.5 million casesRecently released data from Customs and Border protection shows a jump a 36-percent jump in the number of apprehensions along the southern border from July to August. The increase comes after President Joe Biden administration put policies in place to try to stem the flow of illegal border crossings following the end of Title 42.
Texas sues Biden administration over asylum rule, saying phone app encourages illegal immigration
Read full article: Texas sues Biden administration over asylum rule, saying phone app encourages illegal immigrationThe state of Texas is suing the Biden administration to have a newly introduced asylum rule thrown out.
Fewer Venezuelan arrivals lead to drop in illegal entries to US after pandemic asylum limits
Read full article: Fewer Venezuelan arrivals lead to drop in illegal entries to US after pandemic asylum limitsU.S. officials say a 98% drop in Venezuelan arrivals has helped lead to a steep decline in migrants crossing the U.S. border illegally from Mexico since pandemic-related asylum limits expired last week.
Greg Abbott asked other governors for help patrolling the Texas-Mexico border. Ron DeSantis answered the call.
Read full article: Greg Abbott asked other governors for help patrolling the Texas-Mexico border. Ron DeSantis answered the call.Although border encounters have fallen since Title 42 ended Thursday, Texas’ top Republican asks for “all available law enforcement personnel and resources.”
Mayor Turner, US city leaders ask President Biden for resources amid ‘unprecedented crisis’ at Southwest border
Read full article: Mayor Turner, US city leaders ask President Biden for resources amid ‘unprecedented crisis’ at Southwest borderMayors in major cities across the United States, including Houston’s Sylvester Turner, called on President Joe Biden in an effort to get more resources to help manage the southwest border crisis that is impacting the country.
Border migrant encounters have dropped by half since Title 42 ended, federal official says
Read full article: Border migrant encounters have dropped by half since Title 42 ended, federal official saysFederal officials had about 10,000 encounters with migrants per day at the U.S.-Mexico border before the emergency health order ended late Thursday. Since Friday they have had about 5,000 encounters per day.
US-Mexico border sees orderly crossings as new migration rules take effect
Read full article: US-Mexico border sees orderly crossings as new migration rules take effectThe U.S.-Mexico border was relatively calm as the U.S. ended its pandemic-era immigration restrictions and migrants adapted to new asylum rules and legal pathways meant to discourage illegal crossings.
Border didn’t see a “major influx” of migrants when Title 42 ended, federal official says
Read full article: Border didn’t see a “major influx” of migrants when Title 42 ended, federal official saysAlthough migrants lined up by the hundreds in El Paso and other border crossings as the public health order was winding down, a Biden administration official said there wasn’t a rush to the border when Title 42 was lifted.
Border appears calm after lifting of pandemic asylum restrictions
Read full article: Border appears calm after lifting of pandemic asylum restrictionsThe border between the U.S. and Mexico is relatively calm, offering few signs of the chaos that had been feared following a rush by worried migrants to enter the U.S. before the end of pandemic-related immigration restrictions.
As Title 42 nears end, officials prepare for surge in migrants seeking new homeland
Read full article: As Title 42 nears end, officials prepare for surge in migrants seeking new homelandOn Thursday, there was a heavy presence of local, state, and federal authorities on the United States border with Mexico in Brownsville.
Title 42 ends with migrants lined up and border cities braced for the unknown
Read full article: Title 42 ends with migrants lined up and border cities braced for the unknownLong lines formed again next to the border wall in El Paso — a scene repeated in other parts of the southern border — as migrants anticipated the end of a policy that has allowed immigration agents to quickly expel them.
Facing influx of asylum-seekers, New York City says it has reached its limit on migrants
Read full article: Facing influx of asylum-seekers, New York City says it has reached its limit on migrantsNew York City officials say they will be unable to accommodate an expected influx of asylum-seekers as the federal government's pandemic-era immigration restriction ends.
U.S. House passes border bill shaped by Texas Republicans as Title 42 ends
Read full article: U.S. House passes border bill shaped by Texas Republicans as Title 42 endsThe Secure the Border Act would resume construction of the border wall, limit asylum eligibility and require asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico. It faces tough going in the Senate.
Texas sends more buses with migrants to Washington, D.C., the day before Title 42 is set to end at the border
Read full article: Texas sends more buses with migrants to Washington, D.C., the day before Title 42 is set to end at the borderAs the Biden administration prepares to end the Trump policy that quickly expels migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, Gov. Greg Abbott orders two more buses to take migrants to Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence.
Migrants rush across US border in final hours before Title 42 expires
Read full article: Migrants rush across US border in final hours before Title 42 expiresMigrants are rushing across the Mexico border in hopes of entering the U.S. in the final hours before pandemic-related asylum restrictions are lifted at midnight.
House Republicans pass new asylum restrictions as Title 42 ends; Biden promises veto
Read full article: House Republicans pass new asylum restrictions as Title 42 ends; Biden promises vetoHouse Republicans have passed a sweeping bill to build more U.S.-Mexico border wall and impose new restrictions on asylum seekers.
As Title 42 ends, cities along Texas border anticipate surge of migrants seeking political asylum
Read full article: As Title 42 ends, cities along Texas border anticipate surge of migrants seeking political asylumTitle 42, the controversial pandemic-era immigration policy is set to expire on Thursday.
Title 42 has ended. Here's what it did, and how US immigration policy is changing
Read full article: Title 42 has ended. Here's what it did, and how US immigration policy is changingThe U.S. is putting new restrictions into place at its southern border to try to to stop migrants from crossing illegally and encourage them instead to apply for asylum online through a new process.
Migrants flow north to US border ahead of policy changes
Read full article: Migrants flow north to US border ahead of policy changesDespite a dissuasion campaign by the U.S. government, migrants are headed toward its southern border in growing numbers ahead of the end of pandemic-era asylum restrictions and proposed new restrictions on those seeking asylum.
Driver charged with manslaughter after running red light and killing eight pedestrians in Brownsville
Read full article: Driver charged with manslaughter after running red light and killing eight pedestrians in BrownsvillePolice said it’s still not known if the driver intentionally struck the crowd of immigrants waiting at a bus stop.
Gov. Abbott deploys choppers, National Guard Texas unit to ‘hotspots’ in effort to combat illegal immigration
Read full article: Gov. Abbott deploys choppers, National Guard Texas unit to ‘hotspots’ in effort to combat illegal immigrationGov. Greg Abbott announced that Texas deployed a new National Guard unit of 450 soldiers called the Texas Tactical Border Force in an effort to combat illegal immigration after President Joe Biden declared the ending of Title 42 this Thursday.
What to know about Title 42: How its end could affect immigration
Read full article: What to know about Title 42: How its end could affect immigrationThere’s a lot of mention of “Title 42″ lately. With it comes images of crowds of people crossing or on the banks of the Rio Grande, which divides the U.S. and Mexico. As it nears a potential end next Thursday, it might be a good time to understand what it’s all about.
Immigration policy, Texas Senate’s new bill could impact Harris Co., debt ceiling fight, and more on Houston Newsmakers
Read full article: Immigration policy, Texas Senate’s new bill could impact Harris Co., debt ceiling fight, and more on Houston NewsmakersKhambrel Marshall discusses immigration policy with a Rice University political science expert as Title 42 is set to expire.
As Title 42 comes to an end, El Paso declares state of emergency
Read full article: As Title 42 comes to an end, El Paso declares state of emergencyEl Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said asylum-seekers are camping out on the sidewalks and staying at shelters in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, under the false notion that they will be allowed to enter the U.S. once Title 42 expires.
New Biden plan will let people in Latin American countries apply to legally enter U.S., Canada or Spain
Read full article: New Biden plan will let people in Latin American countries apply to legally enter U.S., Canada or SpainAs it prepares for the end of Title 42, which lets U.S. officials rapidly expel migrants, the Biden administration said it will open centers in Guatemala and Colombia where people can apply to legally enter the three participating nations.
U.S. Supreme Court cancels arguments over Title 42, the pandemic-era policy to quickly turn away migrants
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court cancels arguments over Title 42, the pandemic-era policy to quickly turn away migrantsThe case is expected to become moot in May when the Biden administration lifts the nation’s COVID-19 emergency order. Once that order lifts, Title 42 is expected to automatically end.
Supreme Court won't hear arguments Title 42 case as planned
Read full article: Supreme Court won't hear arguments Title 42 case as plannedThe Supreme Court says it won't hear arguments as planned March 1 in a case involving a Trump-era immigration policy that's been used several millions of times over the past three years to quickly turn away migrants at the border.
Texas progressives want Title 42 ended, highlighting wide ideological gulf on Congressional immigration deal
Read full article: Texas progressives want Title 42 ended, highlighting wide ideological gulf on Congressional immigration dealThe spectrum of ideas on immigration could throw cold water on hope that there will be a breakthrough in Congress.
Texas leads lawsuit against Biden administration’s new immigration policy
Read full article: Texas leads lawsuit against Biden administration’s new immigration policyLast month, the administration said the U.S. will let up to 360,000 people per year enter the country from four countries. A lawsuit filed Tuesday claims the policy is illegal.
US launches online system to seek asylum on Mexican border
Read full article: US launches online system to seek asylum on Mexican borderThe Biden administration has launched an online appointment system for migrants to be exempt from limits on seeking asylum, its latest major step to overhaul border enforcement.
After court setback, migrants cling to hopes of reaching US
Read full article: After court setback, migrants cling to hopes of reaching USA familiar mix of disappointment, patience and determination spread among migrants on Mexico’s northern border waiting to enter the United States as they faced the reality that pandemic-era asylum limits would remain for now.
U.S. Supreme Court rules to keep Title 42, the pandemic-era policy to quickly turn away migrants, for now
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court rules to keep Title 42, the pandemic-era policy to quickly turn away migrants, for nowThe court ordered the Biden administration to continue enforcing the policy while Texas and other states that want to keep the Trump-era rule in place prepare their legal arguments.
With rifles and razor wire, National Guard and state troopers are blocking migrants at the border in El Paso
Read full article: With rifles and razor wire, National Guard and state troopers are blocking migrants at the border in El PasoAs cities on the Texas-Mexico border continue preparing for a possible influx of migrants and Title 42 remains in limbo, a shallow spot in the Rio Grande where thousands have recently crossed became the scene of a standoff Monday.
Use of controversial border policy unclear despite last minute order from SCOTUS Chief Justice
Read full article: Use of controversial border policy unclear despite last minute order from SCOTUS Chief JusticeUS Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily halted the termination of Title 42, a controversial policy being used along the border to quickly expel migrants. Until Robert’s order, Title 42 was set to expire at midnight Dec 21.
U.S. Supreme Court allows rapid removal of migrants to continue as legal challenge plays out
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court allows rapid removal of migrants to continue as legal challenge plays outTitle 42, an emergency health order invoked at the start of the pandemic, allows immigration agents to quickly remove migrants from the country. It was scheduled to be lifted on Wednesday.
Anticipating a surge in border crossings amid cold temperatures, El Paso declares a state of emergency
Read full article: Anticipating a surge in border crossings amid cold temperatures, El Paso declares a state of emergencyWith Title 42 ending Wednesday, El Paso officials expect the number of migrants crossing the border could double. Declaring a state of emergency should open more options to provide migrants shelter from below-freezing temperatures.
Federal health order allowing rapid removal of migrants must end Wednesday, court rules
Read full article: Federal health order allowing rapid removal of migrants must end Wednesday, court rulesThe Biden administration attempted to end Title 42 earlier this year before a federal judge blocked the move. A different federal court has now ordered that the federal health order be lifted.
Legal battle continues over use of Title 42 along the border
Read full article: Legal battle continues over use of Title 42 along the borderA controversial law used along our borders in response to rising apprehensions is set to expire in less than month’s time. However, the battle to continue using Title 42 is not over.
U.S. can’t quickly expel migrants under pandemic-era health rule, federal judge says
Read full article: U.S. can’t quickly expel migrants under pandemic-era health rule, federal judge saysTitle 42 was invoked early in the pandemic by the Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden. Since then, immigration officials have used it more than 2 million times to turn away asylum-seekers at the border.
U.S.-bound migration from Venezuela plunges under new policy
Read full article: U.S.-bound migration from Venezuela plunges under new policyU.S. and Mexican officials say far fewer Venezuelans entered the United States in the first week of a U.S. policy to expel them to Mexico without a chance to seek asylum.
Judge blocks Biden administration from lifting public health order used to quickly expel migrants
Read full article: Judge blocks Biden administration from lifting public health order used to quickly expel migrantsThe administration was set to end Title 42, a pandemic-era rule aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, on Monday. A lengthy legal battle is likely.
Gov. Greg Abbott says federal government should cover cost of educating undocumented students in Texas public schools
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says federal government should cover cost of educating undocumented students in Texas public schoolsAbbott expanded on comments he made about how he wants to “resurrect” the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe, which guaranteed that public schools would educate all students regardless of citizenship status.
US quietly expands asylum limits while preparing to end them
Read full article: US quietly expands asylum limits while preparing to end themOfficials say the Biden administration has begun expelling Cubans and Nicaraguans to Mexico under pandemic-related powers that deny migrants a chance to seek asylum, expanding use of the rule even as it publicly says it has been trying to unwind it.
Gov. Greg Abbott redirects $500 million from other agencies to fund border security mission through end of fiscal year
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott redirects $500 million from other agencies to fund border security mission through end of fiscal yearAbbott said the money would be taken from the budgets of other Texas agencies, including nearly $210 million from the state’s Health and Human Services Commission over two years and about $160 million from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Here’s what you need to know about Title 42, the pandemic-era policy that quickly sends migrants to Mexico
Read full article: Here’s what you need to know about Title 42, the pandemic-era policy that quickly sends migrants to MexicoThe public health order that expels migrants to Mexico was launched early in the pandemic, and the Biden administration’s intention to end it has sparked a legal battle.
Gov. Greg Abbott asks for private donations to bus migrants to D.C. after criticism for using taxpayer money
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott asks for private donations to bus migrants to D.C. after criticism for using taxpayer moneyThe decision to crowdfund the free bus trips for migrants is a new development since his initial announcement on April 6 that the rides would be paid for by Texas taxpayers.
Judge orders Biden administration to send Central American migrants to Mexico rather than their home countries
Read full article: Judge orders Biden administration to send Central American migrants to Mexico rather than their home countriesThe Louisiana judge said he’ll hold a hearing in May to decide whether to block the administration from halting Title 42, the Trump-era health order that quickly sends all migrants back to Mexico.
Federal judge halts preparations for end of US asylum limit
Read full article: Federal judge halts preparations for end of US asylum limitA judge has ordered a two-week halt on phasing out pandemic-related restrictions on seeking asylum as the Biden administration prepares for the restrictions to be fully lifted on May 23.
Federal judge plans to temporarily force Biden administration to keep rule that turns migrants away at the U.S.-Mexico border
Read full article: Federal judge plans to temporarily force Biden administration to keep rule that turns migrants away at the U.S.-Mexico borderA Louisiana judge will grant a restraining order that will keep in place Title 42, a pandemic-era health rule that the federal government had planned to drop next month.
Texas sues to block Biden administration from lifting Title 42, a pandemic-era health rule used to expel migrants
Read full article: Texas sues to block Biden administration from lifting Title 42, a pandemic-era health rule used to expel migrantsTexas has led the legal fight against the Biden administration’s immigration policies, filing numerous lawsuits that have led to judges overturning or altering those policies.
Migrant crossings spike as US plans to lift curb on asylum
Read full article: Migrant crossings spike as US plans to lift curb on asylumThe number of migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border has surged in recent weeks as the U.S. prepares for even larger numbers with the expected lifting of a pandemic-era order that turned away asylum seekers.
Beto O’Rourke carefully threads needle on border policy as Democrats grapple with the issue
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke carefully threads needle on border policy as Democrats grapple with the issueFor Democrats, especially in Texas, tackling border issues is difficult on the campaign trail as the party is not in agreement about various policies. O’Rourke has had to distance himself from President Joe Biden’s border policies, while going after Gov. Greg Abbott’s.
EXPLAINER: Why is Texas policing its border with Mexico?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Why is Texas policing its border with Mexico?Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to impose additional inspections of trucks entering Texas from Mexico is his latest move in an unprecedented foray into border security, which has long been the federal government’s domain.
Top U.S. border official says busing migrants out of Texas complicates federal officials’ jobs
Read full article: Top U.S. border official says busing migrants out of Texas complicates federal officials’ jobsThe U.S. Customs and Border Protection commissioner said Gov. Greg Abbott isn’t coordinating with the agency as Texas sends migrants far from their immigration proceedings.
Analysis: Abbott’s border initiative is expensive, ineffective and not as tough as it sounds
Read full article: Analysis: Abbott’s border initiative is expensive, ineffective and not as tough as it soundsThe results of the state’s $3 billion border security effort don’t match the up-front promises, and Gov. Greg Abbott is flipping the political script with loud opposition to a change in federal border policy.
Texas’ John Cornyn among Senators trying to prevent end of border-related measure
Read full article: Texas’ John Cornyn among Senators trying to prevent end of border-related measureTexas Republican Senator John Cornyn is among a contingent of Senators who filed a bill to prevent the ending of Title 42. The Public Health and Border Security Act calls for Title 42 to remain in place until 60 days “after ending the COVID-19 national emergency declaration.”
Texas Republicans pushed Biden administration to keep rule that turns asylum-seekers away at the border
Read full article: Texas Republicans pushed Biden administration to keep rule that turns asylum-seekers away at the borderThe Biden administration will drop the policy that critics have called an inhumane rule.
EXPLAINER: Biden uses Trump-era tool against Haiti migrants
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Biden uses Trump-era tool against Haiti migrantsThe Biden administration is relying on a contested Trump-era policy as it disperses thousands of Haitian migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border in and around the small South Texas city of Del Rio.
Children stopped at border likely hit record-high in July
Read full article: Children stopped at border likely hit record-high in JulyA U.S. official says the number of children traveling alone who were picked up at the Mexican border by U.S. immigration authorities likely hit an all-time high in July.
Gov. Greg Abbott says more apprehensions, drug seizures justify a border wall. Advocates say he's misrepresenting the numbers.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says more apprehensions, drug seizures justify a border wall. Advocates say he's misrepresenting the numbers.The governor said Texas needs to build a border wall to reduce migrant apprehensions and fentanyl seizures. But immigration and drug treatment experts say Abbott's oversimplifying the issue.
Border arrests jumped 36 percent in May despite Trump emergency crackdown
Read full article: Border arrests jumped 36 percent in May despite Trump emergency crackdownAccording to new U.S. Customs and Border Protection figures, the number of migrants detained by U.S. authorities at the Mexico border rose 36 percent in May. CBP took 23,118 migrants into custody last month, up from 16,966 in April, the figures show. The Trump administration argues the emergency measures have aided in preventing a wider coronavirus outbreak by limiting the number of detainees held in cramped border cells. Since the implementation of the emergency orders in late March, nearly 43,000 migrants have been subjected to the rapid-expulsion proceedings, according to CBP figures. Trumps emergency restrictions have all but closed the United States to border crossers fleeing persecution, records show.