The Great Texas Turnover: How Many Folks Said 'Howdy' to the Lone Star State in 2023?
Texas, the land of wide-open spaces, ten-gallon hats, and apparently, a revolving door on the southern border. 2023 saw more people mosey on in than you can say "yeehaw" ten times fast. But just how many new partners for a two-step did Texas welcome? Let's grab a sweet tea and sort through the stampede.
Hold Your Horses: Not All Arrivals Are Illegal
Now, before we start building a bigger Alamo to keep everyone out, it's important to wrangle in some facts. Not everyone who crosses the border is a sneaky varmint. Some folks are just seeking asylum, following the proper channels (think ports of entry and polite requests). But that doesn't mean the Rio Grande wasn't busier than a longhorn at a rodeo.
Here's the Herd Mentality Breakdown:
- The Big Tally: Uncle Sam's official border patrollers (fancy title for folks who say "howdy" with a badge) reported nearly 2.5 million migrant encounters along the southern border in fiscal year 2023 (that's September 30th, 2023, for all you calendar cowboys).
- Hold onto Your Stetson: This number makes 2023 the grand champion year for border encounters, surpassing even the previous record holder, 2022. Looks like the welcome wagon needs a serious upgrade.
So, How Many Were Folks Skipping the Line?
This one gets a little tricky. Tracking down the exact number of folks who, ahem, forgot their passports is like trying to lasso a greased armadillo. But analysts estimate a hefty chunk of those encounters – we're talking potentially hundreds of thousands – involved unauthorized entries.
Texas Tussle: A Lone Star Stands (Sort Of)
Now, Texas, bless their big hearts, tried to put the brakes on this border bonanza. Governor Abbott, known for his love of a good dust-up, sent out the National Guard and even started wrangling up razor wire. But let's be honest, folks were still finding ways to mosey on in, if not for a job, then for the legendary Texas hospitality (and maybe the breakfast tacos).
The Punchline, Partner:
The 2023 Texas border situation was a doozy. While the exact number of folks who crossed without permission is up for grabs, it's safe to say the welcome wagon needs a serious overhaul. Maybe a bigger hat?
