House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is weighing in on Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s request for over $11 billion in federal reimbursement for the state’s border security efforts. Abbott argues that Texas has spent billions on Operation Lone Star to handle the migrant crisis and wants the federal government to pay up. But Jeffries isn’t convinced—at least not yet.
Will Texas Get Reimbursed?
Jeffries says that before Texas sees a dime, Governor Abbott needs to prove that the expenses were for federally authorized activities. In other words, Texas can’t just send a bill to Washington without showing that the spending aligns with national immigration policies.
Abbott and the Biden administration have been at conflict for years over border security, and Abbott even installed barricades and razor wire along the Texas-Mexico border in defiance of federal authorities. In the ongoing state vs. federal border dispute, his demand for repayment is the most recent development.
Jeffries’ Stance on Immigration Reform
Jeffries is advocating for a bipartisan approach to immigration reform in addition to Texas’ financing request. He contends that safeguarding Dreamers, farmworkers, and other immigrants who are vital to the American economy is just as vital as securing the border.
Many Democrats, like Jeffries, favor a well-rounded approach that strengthens border security while simultaneously establishing legal channels for workers who are immigrants. However, in the divided Congress of today, coming to a consensus has proven difficult.
The Bigger Picture
The argument over Texas’ reimbursement brings to light a broader conflict: Should the federal government or the states bear responsibility for border security? Furthermore, immigration is still one of the most contentious topics in Washington, where an election is approaching.