Texas politicians and activists have issues with proposal
Washington seems to be happy with the new immigration plan announced by a group of eight Republican and Democratic Senators yesterday. However, Texans don’t necessarily share that view.
The plan proposed yesterday could affect as many as 1.6 million illegal immigrants here in Texas. Hector Chavana Jr. of La Raza Justice Movement tells KTRH many in his community look at this with suspicious eyes.
“We have to see how this plays out and see what’s on the chopping block. That’s really where things get hung up. That’s where the problems begin. When people start cutting and adding and changing things,” Chavana told KTRH.
Chavana says the people he talks to simply don't trust the people who make policy in Washington.
“There’s a general mistrust of all politicians, no doubt about that,” Chavana explained.
Southeast Texas Congressman Steve Stockman told KTRH he has issues with the plan as well.
“My concern about this plan is it doesn’t really address the issue of border security,” Stockman stated.
Stockman told KTRH Republicans are overreacting to the election loss in November.
“I think in some cases, it’s misreading the election. Republicans should be wary of jumping too quick to conclusions of what the last election meant,” Stockman said.
Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn also expressed their concerns with the plan.
In a statement, Cruz said, There are some good elements in this proposal, especially increasing the resources and manpower to secure our border and also improving and streamlining legal immigration. However, I have deep concerns with the proposed path to citizenship. To allow those who came here illegally to be placed on such a path is both inconsistent with rule of law and profoundly unfair to the millions of legal immigrants who waited years, if not decades, to come to America legally.”
Cornyn told FOX News that, “There are many facets to immigration reform, but one that must be addressed first and foremost is our porous border.”
If the plan goes through as is, it could bring as much as 4.1 billion dollars to the state in taxes and fines.
Hear the podcast with Matt Patrick and Houston's Morning News as he talks with Stockman:
Stay Connected!
