THE IMPACT OF IMMIGRATION ON THE STATE OF TEXAS AND RELATED

ELECTORAL POLICIES

Texas is the second most populous state in the United States and has been known for

its diverse and dynamic population. The diversity in race ad culture is attributed to the history

of the formation of the State of Texas. In a brief at the Texas State Capitol, it was recounted

that during the nineteenth century, there was an influx of immigrants to the State in response

to promises of 4,000 acres (1,620 hectares) of land per family1. However, in recent years the

state has experienced a significant increase in its immigrant population. According to research

by the Migration Policy Institute, there has been an immigrant population increase of 17.2

percent in the past three decades.2 This growth has resulted in a new wave of cultural diversity

and generated new political perspectives and priorities.

State officials are therefore saddled with the task of effectively representing the varied

needs and expectations of this growing community while taking steps to ensure they are re-

elected into public offices. Thus, the burgeoning immigrant population in Texas is creating a

new culturally diverse population, generating new political perspectives and priorities. This is

shaping the State's political landscape and requiring local and State leaders to navigate complex

electoral policies to accomplish their political objectives.

In recent years, migration issues specifically on the US-Mexico border have

consistently been a topical discourse in the US largely due to its economic, and political impact

as well as security implications. Migration policies particularly concerning US-Mexico border

have been heavily politicized. The Biden Administration, in 2021, made a significant change

to immigration policies enacted by the previous administration. They put an end to the

Migration Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as the "Remain in Mexico" policy. This

1
“A Brief at the Texas State Capitol from the Office of the Governor” (Austin, Texas, January 12, 2023).
2
“State Demographics Data - TX,” migrationpolicy.org, accessed February 4, 2023,
https://www.migrationpolicy.org/data/state-profiles/state/demographics/TX.
policy required asylum seekers at the southern border of the United States to return to Mexico

with a set date and location for their hearing. They were given Notices to Appear and were

instructed to wait in Mexico while their case was processed. The termination of this policy was

a major step in the new administration's efforts to reform the immigration system and provide

a more compassionate and fair approach to those seeking refuge.

Nonetheless, Title 42 of the U.S. Code, section 265, which was invoked in October

2020 to block the entry of individuals into the US based on the COVID-19 pandemic is still in

effect. But, the US Border Patrol (USBP) brief during the visit stated that in 2022, there were

2.3 million immigrants encountered at the Southwest border with about 700,000 persons

processed and released this year. It was also observed that there was a demographic shift of

immigrants, top among these nationalities were Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Cubans, and

Columbians with others from Central America, Eastern Europe, and Africa.3 The pull factor to

this new trend has been attributed to the less stringent process in the release of these individuals

into the US thus incentivizing others back home to follow suit.

The large crossings through the Texas-Mexico borders are creating humanitarian

challenges. It is quite daunting managing the inflow of these multitudes of persons crossing the

border with demographic complexities. The USBP indicated that these immigrants a complex

mix comprising Accompanied Minors (AM), Individuals in a Family Unit (FMUA), Single

Adults, and Unaccompanied Children (UC) / Single Minors. 4Hence, finding shelters to

accommodate these categories of persons is problematic. It is interesting to note that

communities around the borders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and charities such

as the Catholic Charities of Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV) have been supporting the effort in

humanitarian assistance. In an interaction with the CCRGV, it was indicated that they provide

3
“US Border Patrol (USBP) Brief” (Jacob Brown Auditorium, Southmost College, Brownsville, Texas, January 11,
2023).
4
“US Border Patrol (USBP) Brief.”
essential services to migrants processed and released by the USBP as well as some advocacy

works. These support activities have lessened the burden on the State. Several of these

migrants re-unite with their families in Texas and thereby swelling the population growth.

Drug and human trafficking are major security threats associated with immigration. It

is a general understanding that migrants leave their home countries due to economic hardships

and political repression among several reasons to seek better opportunities in the US. But

Transnational Criminal Organizations have taken advantage of the situation, smuggling drugs

and trafficking persons. According to a report on the US Customs and Border Protection

website, 327.78 pounds of methamphetamine, 139.81 pounds of cocaine, and 42.70 pounds of

fentanyl have been intercepted at the El Paso ports of entry since the beginning of 2023.5 At

the State Capitol brief, it was indicated that several measures are being undertaken to detect,

prevent, and mitigate these nefarious activities. Operation Lone Star is one such exercise

conducted by the Department of Public Safety and the National Guard to check and interdict

transnational criminal activities at the ports of entry.6 The influx of drugs into Texas has led to

an increase in drug-related crimes and drug abuse in the state. It has put a strain on the criminal

justice system, as well as healthcare resources that are needed to treat those struggling with

substance abuse.

The role of immigrants in Texas' economy is crucial, particularly in the fields of

manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The growing immigrant population in Texas

continues to play a vital role in supporting and expanding the state's labor force, thereby

contributing to the growth of the local and state economies. In a presentation on the topic

‘Misconception about the US-Mexico Border’, the speaker analyzing the economic impact of

5
“CBP Officers Seize More Than 500 Pounds of Hard Drugs Since Start of 2023 | U.S. Customs and Border
Protection,” January 26, 2023, accessed February 2, 2023,
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/cbp-officers-seize-more-500-pounds-hard-drugs-start-
2023.
6
“Operation Lone Star Stops Illegal Drugs Smuggled Across Border,” accessed February 4, 2023,
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/operation-lone-star-stops-illegal-drugs-smuggled-across-border.
immigrants on the State of Texas asserted that new arrivals tend to be young and more likely

to have college degrees or greater.7 Furthermore, employers count on immigrants to fill in for

jobs that qualified locals are in short supply. The positive economic effect of immigrants is

buttressed by a study conducted by American Immigration Council which stated that in 2019,

immigrant residents in El Paso contributed $8.6 billion to the metro area’s GDP.8 Although the

immense economic growth of the State is attributed to energy, construction, and technology

sectors, an invaluable role is played by immigrants as they provide the much-needed human

capital. In seeking new opportunities, these new entrants are usually full of ambition and

resolve to succeed, thus invigorating the State.

The population increase in Texas has yielded positive outcomes in the apportionment

of seats in the US House of Representatives. According to the US Census Bureau data, Texas

had 30 seats in 1990 but currently has 38 seats.9 The population growth has been attributed to

the immigrant flow into the State. The MPI report states that Texas has over 4.5 million

immigrants, making up over 15% of the state's total population with the majority being

Hispanics.10 The State Capitol brief affirmed that about two-fifths of Texans are of Hispanic

descent.11 The demography of the State shapes the political landscape since it ultimately

determines the voting pattern. The political views and priorities of the voters are shaped by a

variety of factors, including their personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and life

circumstances. Most often the immigrant population tends to prioritize issues such as

education, health care, job opportunities, and fair treatment under the law. These priorities are

7
“A Presentation on the Topic ‘Misconception about the US-Mexico Border’.” (Johnson Conference Center,
Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library, Austin, Texas, n.d.).
8 “New Americans in El Paso, Texas. A Snapshot of the Demographic and Economic Contributions of Immigrants

in the Metro Area.” accessed February 2, 2023,

https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/research/texasborder_elpaso_2022.pdf

9
US Census Bureau, “Historical Apportionment Data (1910-2020),” Census.gov, accessed February 5, 2023,
https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/apportionment-data-text.html.
10
“State Demographics Data - TX.”
11
“A Brief at the Texas State Capitol from the Office of the Governor.”
often shaped by their experiences navigating the complexities of life in the new State and reflect

a desire for stability and security for themselves and their families.

Political leaders are cognizant of the aspirations of the voters and hence aspire to fulfill

them. However, there are historical antecedents of voting patterns of immigrants of various

races shaped by the political views of both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Demographics and locations are therefore of utmost importance in determining victory. MPI

data indicate that in 2019, 12 percent (97,700) of the newly naturalized US citizens lived in

Texas while the total number of children under age 18 living with immigrant parents was 2.4

million. These statistics are very significant since many immigrants are engaged in the political

process, and are increasingly participating in elections.

The State of Texas has leaned toward the Republican Party since it last voted for

President Jimmy Carter in 1972. Although the Republican Party continues to dominate Texas

political scene, for the past two decades there has been a steady shift in the percentage points

on both sides in the US presidential elections' popular votes. The gap has narrowed from 21.3

percent in the year 2000 to 5.6 percent in 2022.12 Although the popular vote does not determine

the eventual winner due to the electoral college system, it is indicative of the voting pattern of

the populace thus becoming a battleground. In a brief by an advocacy group, they contended

that the State’s policies such as redistricting and other voting policies have an impact on

immigrants' votes.13

The manipulation of the boundaries of electoral districts gives one political party an

advantage over the other. In Texas, gerrymandering has been a long-standing issue, and has

had a significant impact on the political representation and empowerment of the immigrant

12
“Texas Presidential Election Voting History - 270toWin,” 270toWin.com, accessed February 3, 2023,
https://www.270towin.com/states/Texas.
13
“A Presentation by Advocacy Group for Immigrants” (Academic Session, Conference Room, Holiday Inn,
Austin, Texas, January 2023).
population. In a presentation at Lincoln Hall, the speaker stated in Texas the legislature was in

charge of drawing the district lines.14 It, therefore, supports the argument that since the

Republicans formed the majority in the State legislature the redistricting would always favor

them. Hence, this process can make it difficult for immigrant communities to elect

representatives who truly represent their interests and perspectives and also limit their ability

to influence the political process.

Restrictive policies enacted by the State have also discouraged immigrants from taking

part in the electoral process. In Texas, voters have to provide proof of citizenship when

registering to vote, such as a passport or birth certificate. This policy, according to the advocacy

group prevents several immigrants from exercising their voting rights as they do not possess

such documents. There is therefore an unfair and inequitable representation in the political

process. Hence, there are organizations and advocacy groups working to ensure political

representation and the needs of immigrant communities.

To conclude, Texas has historically been credited with its diverse population due to the

immigrant community. There has, however, been an increase in immigrants from its

southwestern border impacting the economic, social, and political landscape. The growing

immigrant population in Texas is creating a new culturally diverse population with new

political perspectives and priorities. This is shaping the state's political landscape and

demanding state authorities to navigate complex electoral policies to accomplish their political

objectives.

The increase in the population due to immigrant influx over the years has provided the

State with more seats in the US House of Representatives. Texas, however, though

predominantly Republican for the past four decades is experiencing a shift in the voting pattern

14
“Political Processes – 2022 Midterms and After Action Analysis” (National Defence University, Lincoln Hall,
January 4, 2023).
due to increasing demographic changes. Electoral policies such as redistricting and the

eligibility to vote have in many ways impacted the true reflection of the immigrant voters.