Texas Republicans express strong opposition to a Biden administration parole program after data reveals Texas cities are among the top destinations for migrants.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Texas Republican lawmakers have voiced strong criticism of a Biden administration parole program designed for migrants from four specific nationalities, following revelations that Texas cities are among the leading destinations for these migrants. This criticism comes in light of new data released after a congressional subpoena regarding airport arrivals under the program.

Representative Chip Roy of Texas, in an interview with Fox News Digital, described the program as an abuse of the parole system, intended to overload the system deliberately. “It’s just another layer to the entirety of what we’re dealing with,” Roy stated. He highlighted the misuse of parole to flood the system, which he argues undermines the rule of law.

From January through August 2023, approximately 200,000 migrants utilized this parole program to fly into the U.S. Notably, Texas cities such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston were among the top 15 destinations, collectively receiving over 10,000 migrants. This influx is in addition to the substantial number already crossing the border into Texas.

The program initially began for Venezuelans in October 2022, allowing a limited number of individuals to fly directly into the U.S. provided they had not entered illegally, had a U.S. sponsor, and passed thorough vetting processes. It was expanded in January 2023 to include Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Cubans, allowing up to 30,000 people per month to enter the U.S., receive work permits, and a two-year authorization to stay.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has defended the program, stating it provides a “safe and orderly way to reach the United States” and helps reduce irregular migration numbers from those nationalities. Mayorkas emphasized the program as a model for other nations grappling with increased irregular migration.

However, Republicans argue that the program stretches the parole authority beyond its intended use, which should be limited to urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit on a case-by-case basis. Critics like Senator Ted Cruz of Texas argue that the administration’s policies, including this parole program, exacerbate the national security risks by encouraging illegal immigration and pushing the border crisis further into the U.S. interior.

“The invasion at our southern border has turned every American city into a border city, and the Biden administration’s efforts to fly illegal aliens across the country is the reason why,” Cruz stated.

The political stalemate in Washington has left state officials like Representative Roy calling for more autonomous state action regarding border security. Roy expressed frustration over the federal government’s abandonment of border states and suggested that it is up to states like Texas to take decisive actions to secure their borders.