Birthright Citizenship
What to know: The Trump administration is suing to test whether the “birthright citizenship” doctrine is constitutional.
The TPPF take: In the U.S., the very concept of “citizenship” is under siege.
“The Left frames illegal immigration as a humanitarian right; the Right now echoes that framing under the guise of compassion and market necessity,” says TPPF’s Ammon Blair. “Both erase the border between legal and illegal. And both are leading us to the same destination: a nation where citizenship is conditional, rights are transactional, and sovereignty is symbolic.”
For more on citizenship, click here.
He Has a Point
What to know: Border Czar Tom Homan is slamming Congress for leaving for its paid vacation, while TSA agents keep working without pay.
The TPPF take: You can hear about the government shutdown and much more from Homan, who will speak at the closing lunch of the Texas Policy Summit next week.
“With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and immigration enforcement—including serving as the Acting Director of ICE—Tom Homan’s credentials are undeniable,” says TPPF’s Greg Sindelar. “Tom is someone who correctly recognizes the threat posed by the cartels, and now, as the architect of the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, he is bringing that mission to the White House to restore the rule of law.”
For more on Tom Homan and the Texas Policy Summit, click here.
Education Freedom
What to know: The application period for Texas Education Freedom Accounts—the Lone Star State’s new school choice program—has ended, with an overwhelming response from Texas families. More than 257,000 have applied for the estimated 100,000 slots.
The TPPF take: High demand and participation show that Texas families want more freedom.
“The sheer volume of applications in such a short period shows many Texas parents feel constrained by the options offered in the current public school system and are eager for alternatives,” says TPPF’s Brian Phillips. “That urgency reflects frustrations on multiple fronts, from class sizes and academic rigor to disciplinary culture and school safety. Given this demand, it’s highly likely that the Texas Legislature will need to revisit TEFA’s funding and enrollment limits when lawmakers convene next year.”
For more on TEFAs, click here.