The Houston Chronicle, Texas’ largest newspaper, criticized Governor Greg Abbott for his strategy of sending migrants to northern Democratic cities, accusing him of “sowing chaos.”
Texas Busing Policy Puts Pressure on Blue Cities
The Texas policy involves busing migrants to locations such as New York City, known for its right-to-shelter law, intensifying the challenges in these Democratic-led sanctuary cities, Washington, D.C., NYC, Chicago, and Denver.
100,000 Migrants Sent to Democratic Cities from Texas
Governor Abbott’s policy has transported over 100,000 migrants to these cities, with New York City alone receiving over 33,600.
Since Spring 2022, over 160,000 Migrants have Arrived
The ongoing influx has exacerbated the city’s shelter challenges, especially since New York has seen over 160,000 migrants arrive since the spring of 2022.
This unprecedented influx has significantly strained its resources and tested its legal commitment to sheltering newcomers.
Costly Asylum Seeker Crisis in New York City
Currently, around 70,000 migrants are under the city’s care. New York City Mayor Eric Adams projected in August that the cost of the asylum seeker crisis could increase to at least $12 billion over three fiscal years.
Houston Chronicle’s Stance
The Chronicle’s editorial board labeled Abbott a “genius” for his strategy yet deems it a “devious plot.” They argue that while the tactic has shifted Democratic rhetoric on border issues, it fails to provide real solutions, instead causing chaos and exploiting migrants’ vulnerability.
“Cruel & Opportunistic.”
The newspaper described Abbott’s busing migrant initiative as “cruel [and] opportunistic.”
Attempt to Erode Support for Legal Protections
The op-ed reads, “Abbott is not only sowing chaos in New York; he’s attempting to erode support for critical legal protections such as migrants’ right to seek asylum and New York’s right-to-shelter law.”
Biden’s Uncomfortable Position
It added, “He has effectively put President Joe Biden in the uncomfortable position of having to confront the fact that the massive wave of migrants arriving at our border is, indeed, a ‘crisis,’ despite administration officials’ preference to call it anything but that.”
Impact on National Discourse
The newspaper acknowledged the tactic influenced Democratic stances on border security. It highlighted the strain on New York’s infrastructure due to the influx of migrants, emphasizing the situation’s urgency.
“Reckless Political Ploy”
Mayor Adams has been outspoken against Abbott for sending buses to New York City, referring to it as a “reckless political ploy.”
Lawsuit Against 17 Bus Companies
In early January, he filed a lawsuit against the 17 bus companies involved in transporting migrants, seeking $708 million in damages, as a response to the Texas governor’s initiative.
Migrant Influx Overburdens Social Services
Adams stated on Jan 3, ” “We cannot bear the course of reckless political ploys from the state of Texas alone,” and further emphasized, “Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s scheme to transport tens of thousands of migrants to New York City is an attempt to overwhelm our social services system.”
“Migrants as Political Pawns”
The NY mayor continued, “Governor Abbott’s continuing use of migrants as political pawns is not only chaotic and inhumane but makes clear he puts politics over people.”
Call for Constructive Measures
The Chronicle proposed solutions such as expediting work permits for migrants, as advocated by Mayor Adams. It also mentions streamlining the migrant process to seek asylum, which would reduce the burden on city resources.
“Benefit the City Economically”
The paper stated, “Allowing them to find work will free up shelter space and, eventually, benefit the city economically.”
Recommendations for Asylum Process
The editorial board urged the government to increase asylum officers and prioritize new cases to address the 1.6 million backlog.
Border Encounters Data
Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows a significant rise in border encounters, reaching 2.4 million in the 2023 fiscal year, up from around 1.7 million in 2021.
Title 42 Termination Spurs Surge in Migrant Arrivals
The termination of Title 42, a COVID-19 public health restriction affecting migrants at the border, in May 2023 has also led to an increased number of migrant arrivals in the U.S.
Record-Breaking Border Processing in December 2023
In December 2023, immigration officials processed more than 300,000 individuals along the southern border, marking an all-time monthly high since September, when the agency had processed nearly 270,000 migrants. That number fell to around 150,000 encounters in January.
Demand for Leadership
The newspaper called for “real leadership” from Abbott and others, questioning when the governor’s “stunt” will lead to actual solutions. The article noted, “Abbott…should really find something more constructive to do with his creative genius.”
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