Texas Becomes Top Destination for Migrants, Sparking GOP Outrage

Texas has become the top destination for migrants under the Biden administration's parole program, sparking outrage among state Republicans. According to official statistics, over 200,000 migrants flew into the U.S. via the program from January to August 2023, with more than 10,000 landing in Austin, Dallas, and Houston airports.

Why this matters: The controversy surrounding the parole program highlights the deepening political divide on immigration policy, which could have significant implications for the 2024 election season. As migrant encounters at the southern border continue to surge, the debate over immigration reform is likely to intensify, with far-reaching consequences for national security, economic growth, and social cohesion.

The parole program, announced in October 2022 for Venezuelans and expanded in January 2023 to include Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans, allows a limited number of migrants to fly or travel directly into the U.S. if they have not entered illegally, have a sponsor in the U.S., and pass certain biometric and biographical vetting. Up to 30,000 people per month are allowed into the U.S. under the program.

Texas Republicans have strongly criticized the program. Rep. Chip Roy argued that it is "just another layer to the entirety of what we're dealing with... But that's what people need to understand, it's a very specific program designed to flood the system, misusing parole to do it." Sen. Ted Cruz claimed the program is part of the Biden administration's efforts to undermine national security and exacerbate the border crisis, stating, "The invasion at our southern border has turned every American city into a border city, and the Biden administration's efforts to fly illegal aliens across the country is the reason why."

The controversy comes as immigration tops the list of concerns for many Americans. A recent Gallup poll showed that 27% of Americans cite immigration as the biggest crisis facing the U.S., the highest percentage in the past 24 years. The issue is highly polarizing, with 48% of Republicans, 8% of Democrats, and 25% of independents mentioning immigration as their top concern.

The U.S. has seen a surge in migrant encounters at the southern border, with the Border Patrol reporting nearly 250,000 encounters in December 2023 alone, the highest monthly total on record. By the end of February 2024, more than 400,000 nationals had arrived in the U.S. under the parole program. As Texas becomes a focal point for migrant arrivals, the debate over the Biden administration's immigration policies is set to intensify heading into the 2024 election season.

Key Takeaways

• Texas is top destination for migrants under Biden's parole program.
• Over 200,000 migrants flew into US via program from Jan-Aug 2023.
• Program allows 30,000 migrants/month to enter US with sponsor and vetting.
• Texas Republicans criticize program, citing national security concerns.
• Immigration tops list of concerns for 27% of Americans, highly polarizing.