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TEXAS — Gov. Greg Abbott has voiced his support for a new plan to protect immigration policy during the controversial pandemic known as Title 42.
In an interview with conservative radio host Chad Hasty, Abbott said he could use state public health officials to keep the show in Texas. It extended the pandemic emergency declaration for almost three years despite lifting it.
“There are proposals to prevent people from entering Texas illegally or to return them, and I support them,” Abbott said, without naming the specific legislation being introduced. “Because Texas has a public health order allowing us to turn them back.”
Title 42 is a federal public health order that has been used to deport immigrants to curb the spread of the coronavirus. President Biden has been fighting to end it since he took office. But last month, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump-era policies can remain in force for now.
Texas Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) introduced a bill called the Texas Title 42 Act. If passed, it would use state police powers to keep immigrants out. This is in effect as long as there is a federal public health emergency for COVID-19 and as long as federal vaccine mandates and travel warnings are in effect.
“As long as President Biden insists on keeping America under the state of emergency declared under COVID-19 for public health reasons, we will use public health officials to do the work he does not want. It is perfectly justified to do so and secure the border,” Harrison said.
However, immigration law enforcement is a federal matter, so the law represents a legal gray area.
“I would like to see the reaction of the American people to a president who does the work Washington failed to do and takes legal action against law enforcement agencies that serve their country,” Harrison said.
Some experts also point out that state troopers and guards could be exposed to civil lawsuits from immigrants.
Harrison is confident he will get the support he needs to pass this bill.
“Texas was hit first, hit hardest,” Harrison said. “All available tools should be used, including public health authorities.”
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