Immigration is a cornerstone of our nation’s rich history. We all can trace our lineage to far-reaching and distant lands. The concept of a “melting pot”—a hallmark of our culture—goes way back in US history.
So why, 240 years after the American Revolution, is immigration still such a hot topic as the hopefuls jostle for the keys to the White House, and how does it affect us at home in Smith County?
Let’s add a word.
Illegal.
I believe wholly in immigration. But I am equally emphatic about the rule of law.
Either we enforce what we agree to as a society, or we change it per the Constitution. But the rule of law has been thrown out. The numbers prove it.
Guess. Just take a wild stab, at how many citizens of foreign countries just walked or waded across the Rio Grande last year, illegally entering our state.
Now think higher.
221,684 in 2015 were apprehended. Almost a quarter of a million. That’s just in Texas. Just in one year. Many of those are simply being released with a “notice to appear” in court. Or as some call it, a “notice to disappear.”
5,009 were caught in Texas in just one week from March 2 – March 9. Of those, 2,416 were not Mexicans (referred to by law enforcement as “Other Than Mexicans” or “OTMs”).
I’ve heard a credible estimate from law enforcement officials that for every one illegal alien caught, two are not.
That means an estimated three-quarters of a million illegal aliens entered Texas last year.
Why so many? Why now? Because the message people are hearing in Mexico, Central America, Cuba, Bangladesh, and many other countries is, “Get to Texas. You can stay in America. Obama’s government will help you.”
Texans know this is a big deal and has a huge impact on our society.
We have done a lot in Texas to address the problem, but I won’t tell you the border is secure. It’s not even close. And I won’t tell you that we have done everything we can. Much more work lies ahead.
Expect to hear more from me on this issue in the weeks and months before the Legislature meets again in January of 2017. And if you want to learn more about the record surge in the immigration population, I highly recommend this 2015 article, which remains quite relevant.
Matt Schaefer
Texas State Representative, District 6
