During a recent interview, Senator Roland Gullier addressed concerns raised by Republicans regarding border crossings under different administrations. He refuted claims that border crossings dropped under Donald Trump and rose under President Biden, labeling it as misinformation. Senator Gullier pointed out that the implementation of Title 42, a stay-in-Mexico policy, actually led to increased back-and-forth crossings, emphasizing that migrants who crossed through the river and were sent back were never officially registered, thus their subsequent entries were not considered illegal reentries.
He highlighted the impact of Title VIII, which was reinstated last summer, in slowing down border crossings. Senator Gullier explained that the fluctuation in crossing numbers was not unusual, citing historical migrant patterns spanning over five decades. He urged for a broader perspective on the immigration issue, emphasizing that while the focus remains on the border situation, other critical issues in Texas are being overlooked.
Senator Gullier drew attention to the lax gun laws in Texas, referencing a tragic incident in Uvalde where 19 children lost their lives. He also criticized the restrictions on reproductive rights for women and the exorbitant healthcare costs in Texas, which are among the highest in the country. He expressed frustration at the Republican party's attempts to shift the narrative away from these pressing issues, calling for bipartisan cooperation to address immigration challenges.
In conclusion, Senator Gullier emphasized the need for comprehensive solutions to fix the immigration system, urging Republicans to engage constructively in finding common ground. He underscored the interconnected nature of various societal issues in Texas, advocating for a holistic approach to governance that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by the state.