The Jeff Davis County Democratic Party believes the United States has always been a vibrant nation of immigrants. We value those who come from different countries and cultures. Immigrants add to the prosperity, innovation, and resilience of this great country. Immigrants hold professional jobs, teach in our educational institutions, own businesses, build our homes, grow our food, and work across industries. 

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We believe in fostering better bilateral relationships with all nations including our southern neighbor with whom we share an expansive border. Importantly, viewing immigrants through the lens of fear and prejudice only serves to undermine our values, prosperity, and security as a state and as a nation. 

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Our government’s failure to enact meaningful, long-term immigration reform has left us with the broken system we have today. Our country is stronger with a more fair and equitable immigration system. 

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In a related matter, Senate Bill 147 is now being pushed in the Texas Legislature by some Republicans. This discriminatory bill would ban asylum seekers and immigrants from China, North Korea, and other countries, including lawful permanent residents, from buying property in Texas. It is reminiscent of efforts more than 100 years ago to prevent Chinese residents from owning property and starting businesses. The Senate Bill 147 Talking Points memo of the Texas Democratic Party discusses the likely negative effects of these xenophobic efforts.