Texas Republicans are criticizing a Biden administration parole program for four nationalities, with three of the top destinations for migrants under the program being in Texas. Over 200,000 migrants flew into the U.S. via this program from January through August 2023, with the majority landing in Florida but thousands also traveling to airports in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. The program allows Venezuelans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans to travel directly into the U.S. as long as they have a sponsor, haven’t entered illegally, and pass biometric and biographical checks. Migrants are responsible for their travel.
By the end of February 2024, over 400,000 nationals have arrived under the program, according to data from Customs and Border Protection. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has defended the program, stating that it provides a safe and orderly way for migrants to reach the U.S. and has led to a reduction in the numbers of migrants from these nationalities. However, Republicans have criticized the program, arguing that it abuses the parole limits set by Congress and contributes to the ongoing border crisis, which they blame on the Biden administration’s policies.
Republicans like Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. John Cornyn have expressed concerns about the parole program, with Cruz stating that it is pushing the border crisis further into the interior of the country and undermining national security. The program has been characterized as “cooking the books” by Cornyn, who believes it is not okay. Rep. Chip Roy also expressed frustration, stating that the impact of the crisis is severe on Texas and that more migrants flying in directly will only elevate public frustration.
With a stalemate in Washington, Roy believes it will be up to governors to act to secure the border, as he feels that the federal government has abandoned states like Texas. He sees the need for governors and Republicans in Congress to address the issue of border security and believes that the election of Donald Trump and more Republicans could lead to a debate on how to fix the border crisis. The Texas Republicans continue to criticize the Biden administration’s parole program for the impact it is having on their state and the ongoing border crisis.
