The state of Texas has become the epicenter of illegal immigration from Central America, and continues to be a prime destination for migrants from Mexico, South America, and other countries around the globe. These cross-border flows of people shift in number and location based on multiple factors, including economic and security conditions in both the U.S. and source countries, real and perceived U.S. immigration policy decisions and changes, and U.S. law enforcement efforts across all parts of the southwest border. These shifting flows have varying impacts on different parts and sectors of Texas, and have prompted concerns from individuals who feel the state’s economy and security are being negatively impacted by illegal immigration. This analysis indicates that some areas and sectors in Texas are being negatively impacted more than others, and some not at all.
Local Government
When Government Lobbies Itself: Why Texas Should Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
Texas local governments use taxpayer dollars to hire lobbyists to influence state legislation—creating conflicts of interest, distorting democratic accountability, and undermining the interests of Texas taxpayers. Key points: Taxpayer-funded lobbying expenditures more than doubled from the 85th to the 89th Legislature, now reaching as high as $111.5 million. Taxpayer-funded lobbyists consistently opposed legislation involving property...
April 6, 2026