Recent polling indicates a close race in Texas’ U.S. Senate contest between Congressman Colin Allred and Senator Ted Cruz. Both candidates are investing millions in television advertisements, trying to convince voters of their tough stance on border issues.
Despite similarities in their campaign messaging, Allred and Cruz have significantly different records in Congress.
In one of Allred’s latest ads titled “Focused on Border Solutions,” he promotes images of the border wall, a strategic move for his campaign. However, this does not accurately represent his voting history. At a 2018 event, Allred downplayed the need for additional fencing, stating, “If they build that wall, my generation will be the one that tears it down.” He has also voted against federal funding for Texas’ Operation Lone Star, which seeks to construct a wall due to the Biden administration’s border security shortcomings.
Allred also opposed the Secure the Border Act, a significant piece of legislation passed by the House in May 2023. This bill aimed to complete the border wall, impose penalties on human traffickers and drug smugglers, end catch-and-release policies, and reform the asylum and parole systems that facilitate illegal immigration.
Conversely, Senator Cruz was the principal sponsor of the Senate version of the Secure the Border Act. His proposal would mandate the use of E-Verify by all businesses. This federal system verifies employees’ legal status, effectively reducing job opportunities for undocumented immigrants and addressing the border crisis.
Allred has accused Cruz of neglecting border security, despite Cruz’s rejection of a controversial Senate proposal that lacked sufficient support to proceed to a vote. This proposal would have allowed the daily release of at least 1,400 illegal immigrants, effectively codifying catch-and-release practices and enabling asylum officers to grant asylum without judicial oversight.
In summary, Cruz’s border security initiatives aim to mitigate the crisis, while the Senate proposal Allred supports could potentially increase both illegal and legal immigration.
NumbersUSA, an organization that monitors congressional voting on immigration, does not endorse candidates. They provide voters with “grade cards” based on lawmakers’ voting records. Allred has received a career “F-” grade, ranking lower than most Republicans and 65% of Democrats. In contrast, Cruz has achieved an “A” grade, with an “A+” in the current congressional session, earning him the title of “true reformer.”
The evidence shows that Allred has frequently voted against measures to reduce illegal immigration and has supported legislation that could worsen the situation. Meanwhile, Cruz has led efforts to secure the border and protect American jobs.
Voters need to be informed about the candidates’ true records.
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