Masters Leaderboard of Immigration: Who’s Winning the Fight for Reform in Texas?

becoolwithbob
Apr 18
3 min read

Understanding the Immigration Arena in Texas

Texas has long been at the center of the U.S. immigration debate. With one of the largest immigrant populations in the country, the stakes are high — for families, for lawmakers, and for the justice system itself. The “masters leaderboard” of immigration in Texas isn’t a sports scoreboard — it’s a reflection of who’s leading the charge, who’s falling behind, and what that means for thousands of families trying to live a dignified life in the state.

The immigration leaderboard Texas

: Leaders in Resilience

At the top of the real “leaderboard” are the immigrants themselves. Despite facing a slew of policies designed to deter, detain, or deport, immigrants in Texas continue to contribute significantly to the economy and local culture.

Nearly 4.7 million immigrants live in Texas, comprising about 17% of the population.📖 Source: American Immigration Council
Immigrant-led households in Texas paid $38.7 billion in taxes and held over $115 billion in spending power in 2021.📖 Source: New American Economy

These numbers illustrate what many of us already know: immigrants aren’t a burden — they’re foundational.

State Lawmakers: Swinging the Gavel in Two Directions

On our immigration leaderboard, Texas lawmakers sit in controversial positions.

🔺 Greg Abbott – Governor of Texas

Position: Against progressive immigration reformRecent Actions: Governor Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, a controversial border enforcement initiative, has deployed National Guard troops and state troopers to detain migrants under state trespassing laws.📖 Read more from Texas Tribune

Legal Insight: Many of these tactics toe the line — and often cross it — when it comes to federal jurisdiction over immigration. For immigrants, it means additional fear, more confusion, and unconstitutional detainments that experienced immigration attorneys can challenge in court.

🔺 Texas House Bill 4 (HB4)

Position: Expands state immigration enforcementThis law allows state law enforcement to arrest individuals they suspect crossed the border illegally — even if federal authorities decline to prosecute.📖 Source: Texas Legislature Online

Legal Defense Strategy: Attorneys can argue racial profiling, due process violations, and improper jurisdiction under Supremacy Clause challenges.

Advocates & Legal Organizations: Climbing the Rankings

Let’s not forget the unsung heroes of immigration law — advocacy groups, legal nonprofits, and everyday lawyers pushing back against injustice.

🔹 RAICES Texas

Role: Offers free and low-cost legal aid to immigrants.📍 Website

🔹 ACLU of Texas

Role: Regularly files lawsuits challenging anti-immigrant policies.📍 Website

🔹 Local Attorneys (like us)

Role: Provide defense strategies for deportation proceedings, DACA renewals, family-based petitions, and asylum applications. We also challenge arrests made under unconstitutional state laws that conflict with federal immigration authority.

Who's Off the Leaderboard?

Sadly, one group never seems to get the recognition they deserve: mixed-status families.

These families, often comprising U.S. citizens and undocumented immigrants, are at constant risk of separation — especially as ICE raids become more frequent and state cooperation increases.

As lawyers, we work tirelessly to:

Halt deportations through cancellation of removal and asylum arguments
Prevent family separation via I-601 waivers or U-visa applications
Advocate for parole-in-place programs for military families

📖 Learn more about mixed-status family protections

Final Thoughts: Why This Leaderboard Matters

This leaderboard isn’t just a clever title — it’s a call to action. Each player, from policy-makers to immigration attorneys and community organizers, plays a role in shaping the lives of immigrants in Texas. But those suffering under these policies? They’re not players — they’re the ones affected by every decision made above them.

If you're navigating immigration issues or facing legal uncertainties, don’t wait until it’s too late. Seek out qualified legal help from professionals who understand what’s at stake.

📞 Contact us today at ruben@restrepodwilawyer.com🌐 Visit our website: www.restrepodwilawyer.com