In the past few years, the immigration debate has undergone a significant shift in Texas. What was once portrayed as a divisive partisan issue has increasingly become a point of consensus among Texans across the political spectrum. Recent polling from the University of Houston reveals what many of us have long sensed: Texans of all political stripes are deeply concerned about border security and illegal immigration, and they overwhelmingly support common-sense policies to address these challenges.
The numbers speak for themselves. A striking 75% of Texans agree that our state should not reduce border security funding. This sentiment transcends party lines, with 81% of Republicans, 78% of Independents, and even 61% of Democrats wanting to either maintain or increase current border funding levels. When it comes to immigration enforcement, the consensus is even more pronounced—87% of Texans support increasing targeted deportations of criminal illegal aliens.
These figures reveal an important truth: the caricature of Texans being divided on immigration no longer holds water. Instead, we are witnessing a growing consensus around the rule of law, secure borders, and responsible immigration policies.
The poll further demonstrates that Texans support measures often branded as “hardline” by national media. Fully 67% support substantially expanding the wall and other barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. More tellingly, 60% support the mass deportation of a majority of those living in the country illegally—a policy position that would have been considered extreme just a few years ago but now represents the mainstream view in Texas.
Additionally, 72% of Texans support increasing targeted deportations of illegal aliens whose asylum bids were denied, and 73% support limiting the number of immigrants who can claim asylum. These numbers reflect a growing recognition that our asylum system has been abused and that reforms are desperately needed.
With the Trump administration in the White House, Texas has a unique opportunity to strengthen our own immigration laws and enforcement capabilities. This alignment of federal and state priorities presents an opening to create lasting protections for Texans—protections that would remain in place even if a future administration reverts to more permissive border policies.
Several initiatives in the Texas Legislature are already moving in this direction. The expansion of the 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, provides a critical mechanism for identifying and removing criminal aliens from our communities. Legislation has been filed by Senator Mayes Middleton to further enhance this cooperation, ensuring that dangerous criminals are not released back onto our streets due to sanctuary policies. Legislation filed by Rep. David Spiller, revises current state E-Verify requirements by mandating that political subdivisions in the state participate in the program. Thus ensuring that Texas taxpayers are not subsidizing unauthorized work. By ensuring that only legal workers can be hired, we can remove a primary incentive for illegal immigration while protecting job opportunities for legal residents. Similarly, Rep. Giovanni Capriglione has filed legislation that would strengthen penalties for human trafficking and smuggling, addressing the criminal enterprises that profit from our porous borders.
The Texas Military Department has also played an increasingly vital role in securing our southern border. Their continued presence and expanded authority would provide Texas with a first line of defense, regardless of federal policies or priorities.
Critics may argue that immigration enforcement is exclusively a federal responsibility. However, when the federal government fails to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect states from invasion, Texas not only has the right but the obligation to protect its citizens.
The changing climate around immigration in Texas reflects a broader awakening to the real-world consequences of unchecked illegal immigration: strained public services, increased criminal activity, humanitarian crises, and undermined respect for the rule of law. Texans understand these realities because they live with them daily.
As a state that values both compassion and order, Texas can lead the nation in demonstrating that strong borders and respect for the law are not at odds with our immigrant heritage. Indeed, they are essential to preserving it. By supporting sensible reforms and enforcement measures, we honor those who came here legally and followed the rules while extending the promise of America to future generations of legal immigrants.
The University of Houston poll confirms what many of us have observed: Texans want action on immigration, and they want it now. With federal and state leadership aligned, there has never been a better time to secure our border, enforce our laws, and create an immigration system that works for Texas and America.