Texas Public Policy in the Twenty-First Century, Essay Example

Two of the most important public policy issues facing Texas in the twenty-first century are immigration and health care. Although there are many other issues, such as water shortages, infrastructure, and education that are also very important, the issues of health care and immigration can be seen as core issues that impact almost all other matters of public policy. In terms of health care, several problems exist: “Since Texas isn’t implementing a state-based health insurance exchange what is the answer? Obamacare is bringing doctor shortages” (Biar, 4). Similarly, immigration is a vast problem straining economic resources and natural resources. The conflict over immigration has resulted in political schism: “Texas Republicans also want to deny citizenship to the U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants, ban day-labor work centers … and deny non-U.S. citizens access to state or federal financial assistance to college. (“Texas Also at Cliff’s” 14). Despite these ambitions, the number of immigrants keeps expanding.

My personal belief is that illegal immigration is the more important of the two issues and may, in fact, be the most important issue that Texans face in the twenty-first century. The fact of the matter is that “according to demographic estimates,Latinos will make up nearly 80 percent of the population growth over the next 30 years, compared with only 4 percent for whites, (“Texas Also at Cliff’s” 14). This means that the very nature of Texas as a state and as a cultural region is going to change dramatically as the century moves on. If we are unable to stem the tide of illegal immigrants, the cohesiveness of society will be lost and governmental programs and services will be overstrained and will probably crumble. Additionally, the influx of immigrants and undocumented workers into Texas makes it more difficult for existing laws to be enforced. The potential for true catastrophe exists with illegal immigration and it is imperative that this policy issue is addressed as a highest priority.  Obviously, Texans should not hope for or depend on a response from the federal government. Legislative action to curb illegal immigration must be pursued at the state level.

Works Cited

Biar, Andrew “Major Issues Facing Texas” strategicpublicaffairs.com; accessed 2-3-14; http://strategicpublicaffairs.com/major-issues-facing-texas/

“Texas Also at Cliff’s Edge on Immigration.” Daily Herald (Arlington IL) 4 Aug. 2010: 14.