Victory in New Hampshire! Backsliding in Texas

Gov. Ayotte signed into law two immigration bills that NumbersUSA advocates have been pressuring state legislators to pass. One measure ensures that any state, county, or local law enforcement agency may enter into a 287(g) agreement with ICE if it so chooses. The second bill prohibits state and local entities and law enforcement agencies from participating in any sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Meanwhile, the legislative session for the year is nearly over in Texas, and the legislature’s priorities have raised some eyebrows. The majority Republicans haven’t moved force-multiplier bills like E-Verify and 287(g) across the finish line.

“They are sitting on a bill that would better steward public benefits by ending in-state tuition for illegal aliens,” says Andrew Good, NumbersUSA’s Director of State Government Relations. “The Senate has sent some good bills to the House, but the Speaker has been holding votes on creating an unconstitutional guest worker program just for the State of Texas.”

The political will to enforce immigration laws is on the rise, but that doesn’t mean the resistance is over.