In Texas, the narrative spun around immigration, especially with Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, has become increasingly detached from the reality on the ground. As a decade-long immigration attorney in San Antonio, I have witnessed the stark contrast between the contributions of immigrants and the policies that aim to marginalize them.
Operation Lone Star, a policy draped in the guise of security and order, ironically overlooks the actual pillars of Texas’s economy and community: immigrants. The American Immigration Council’s data reveals that in 2018, immigrant-led households in Texas contributed over $40 billion in taxes and have a spending power of over $140.0 billion. Yet, these fiscal contributions are eclipsed by Texas Republicans that paint immigrants as liabilities rather than assets.
What’s more concerning is the narrative policies like Operation Lone Star and HB4 perpetuate. By focusing on militarization and enforcement at the border, Operation Lone Star, House Bill 4, and similar legislative measures in the Texas Legislature promote a perception of immigrants as threats, overshadowing their role as frontline workers during the pandemic and entrepreneurs who bolster the state’s economy.
In my years of practice, I have met countless immigrants who embody the spirit of Texas: hardworking, resilient, and committed to community. Nearly 17% of our population is made up of immigrants, many of whom are undocumented, yet integral to our state’s success. The 440,000 immigrant entrepreneurs in Texas and the 216,000 undocumented frontline workers during COVID-19 represent more than numbers; they represent the backbone of our state’s economy and societal fabric.
Governor Abbott and Texas Republican’s approach, alongside the recent surge in exclusionary bills in the Texas Legislature, not only undermines these contributions but also contradicts the values Texas stands for. The militarized rhetoric and policies create a climate of fear and division, diverting attention from the constructive impact of our immigrant community.
As Texans, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. We can either continue down a path that alienates a significant portion of our community or we can choose to embrace a narrative grounded in facts and humanity. Texas’ policies towards immigrant communities should not be a political maneuver but a recognition of the undeniable contributions of immigrants to the state of Texas.
Texas’s prosperity is deeply tied to its diverse population. The state’s future depends on policies that acknowledge this reality, fostering an environment where every member, immigrant or otherwise, has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
Let us not be blinded by policies that fail to reflect the economic and social realities of our state. It is time for Texas to lead with policies that are fair, just, and acknowledge the true worth of our immigrant community. The next chapter of Texas’s story should be one of inclusivity and recognition, not exclusion and fear.
