Of all the states, Texas arguably has the most at stake in the debate over federal immigration laws. As one of only four states that shares a border with Mexico, Texas has a tremendous interest in border security, both in terms of public safety and the costs of illegal immigration. And as one of the few states whose economies are heavily invested in both high-tech industries and agriculture, Texas has much on the line when it comes to the flow of both high-skilled and low-skilled immigrants.
Reinvigorating Federalism and Fiscal Discipline in Texas: Establishing the Office of State Sovereignty
Texas governments received $84.3 billion in federal funding in 2023, raising concerns over financial dependency and regulatory consequences. Creating an Office of State Sovereignty to monitor the application, receipt, and conditions of this aid could mitigate fiscal risk and improve transparency. Key points: Texas lacks a centralized system to oversee federal grants potentially flowing to...