Although former President Donald Trump (R) never saw the completion of his infamous border wall along the Mexican border, the Texas state legislature is proposing a new plan to build $1.5 billion of new border wall in Texas.
Senate Bill 6 passed in the Texas Senate, by a vote of 17-11. The multi-billion dollar project is poised to be approved by Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX). However, the bill is not without its criticisms, even in Texas.
"While all border residents prioritize border security, we also believe that it is crucial to approach it wisely and to ensure collaboration with residents and transparency and accountability,” Texas said State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D). “The appropriations would be spent more effectively using smart technology, and we should also work with border leaders and residents that understand the challenges of our region."
Zaffirini has emphasized that she is not anti-border security, but feels that addressing the illegal immigration issue with a wall may not properly remedy the situation. She further stated that she feels these sentiments are falling on, "deaf ears."
The state senator alternatively proposed the money be allocated to ports of entry where more drugs and people are smuggled than in-between port. This would be significant as most of the rhetoric surrounding the dangers of illegal immigration regard human trafficking, drug and weapons smuggling.
If Texas wishes to complete the wall, about one mile of wall costs over $30 million. Democrat pushback may stifle the process, but Texas Republicans seem more than adamant to get the job done.
