Having been born and raised in El Paso, it’s clear to me that inclusion lives at the heart of our city’s culture, regardless of race, income, or nationality. In the wake of a tragic mass shooting in 2019 in which a white supremacist killed 23 people and injured 24 others, the phrase “El Paso Strong” emerged as a symbol of community unity in the face of adversity. Now our city faces another challenge. It’s a deadly anti-immigrant policy led by Greg Abbott and other extremist Republicans.
While El Paso’s local governments, religious centers, and community groups are working diligently to implement a humanitarian process for immigrants, state government extremists are pushing back against the misguided “intentions” seen in bills like Operation Lone Star and S.B. It perpetuates the rhetoric of “aggression” and continues to impede progress. 4. As bad actors continue to enforce harmful laws across the state, it is more important than ever to recognize the power that exists in our communities. “El Paso Strong” is more than just words. Community ties act as a catalyst for change that brings positive policies to state governments.
A big part of what makes El Paso strong is the city’s ability to embrace people, no matter where they come from. almost 25% of El Paso residents were born in another country. countless inhabitants They have banded together to feed, clothe and shelter migrants crossing the southern border. The organizers spearheading these efforts are not calling for tougher policies or further militarization of borders. On the contrary, these advocates want state investment in education, infrastructure, and housing.
Ivonne Diaz, Nonprofit Regional Programs Coordinator texas risinghas been volunteering in El Paso for the past few years, helping asylum seekers through the process. She also traveled to Austin multiple times to testify that instead of investing in health care, a new power grid, and better pay for teachers, state lawmakers are “focused on the next thing.” What doesn’t advance our communityIt’s like spending money on barbed wire, law enforcement, and even prisons. ” Unfortunately, that story fell on deaf ears as Texas has spent more than $5.5 billion over the last two years on failed border security measures.
Instead of implementing aggressive policies, extremist Texas Republicans resort to cheap politics at the expense of immigrant families and border residents, such as an attempt to run Annunciation House, which provides basic housing to out-of-business immigrants. I chose a path that would benefit me. This political game has significant and obvious costs to Texas families. Over the past 10 years, state spending has been: The militarization of borders has arrived 6 billion dollars. On the other hand, national spending on education has remained roughly the same. stagnate over the same period.
These extremist policies are not only not benefiting border communities, they are actively harming them.
“Laws like SB 4 That is the definition of counterproductive policy,” said advocate Manuel Guzmán, who grew up in both El Paso and neighboring Ciudad Juárez. “The people who are most affected by these bad bills aren’t even asking for them in the first place. People who live on the border don’t want to live in a place with over-militarization and over-policing. No. They want access to health care and funding for quality education, and they want immigrants to be treated with dignity and respect. Texas is failing to provide any of these things. do not have.”
Extremist bills like the one being proposed serve to promote a frivolous agenda that unfairly demonizes immigrants while ignoring the serious issues that border communities actually face. for example, quarter The Texas government has failed to expand self-funded Medicaid, even though a percentage of Texas border residents who are not elderly are uninsured. Every dollar spent on deterrence policies with no evidence of effectiveness ends up being lost in education, health care, and other areas. Underfunded public services.
While state governments have failed to adequately address the needs of migrants at the border, people can still take action. Díaz said El Paso residents hold outsized power in efforts to ease conditions for asylum seekers and immigrants. [for people] Don’t just believe what you see on TV, connect with organizations that are doing this work and educate yourself. ”
As more immigrants seek refuge in the United States, Texas should follow El Paso’s lead. The City continually demonstrates that inclusion makes communities stronger. Rather than impede El Paso’s progress with divisive and unhelpful legislation, Texas leadership must increase funding for the humanitarian programs run by the city’s community centers. Border residents know best and have made their position loud and clear. There are fewer barriers and more resources.
