How will balancing border enforcement with workforce demands impact the future of Texas's core industries?

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Texas’s core industries will likely depend on whether policymakers can pair tighter border control with reliable legal labor channels. If enforcement expands without workable visas or permits, sectors that already rely heavily on immigrant labor — especially agriculture, ranching, homebuilding and construction — face higher costs, production cuts and project delays. That risk is not theoretical. At the U.S. Hispanic Business Council forum, Ken Paxton said Texas needs both a secure border and enough workers for jobs Texans are not filling. Business leaders at the same events made the same point: immigrants are a large share of the Texas workforce, and fear from raids or deportations can disrupt cornerstone industries. Agriculture is the clearest example. Texas Farm Bureau officials say farmers and ranchers have become increasingly dependent on H-2A workers over the past decade. They warn that reduced access to the program would force some operations to scale back or shut down. Federal data cited by industry groups also show very limited domestic response to farm job postings, reinforcing the labor gap. Construction leaders in South Texas have similarly warned that aggressive worksite enforcement is already slowing projects and worsening shortages. The long-term impact will hinge on policy design. If Texas and federal officials maintain enforcement while streamlining legal worker programs such as H-2A and H-2B, core industries could stabilize and plan ahead. If policy remains …

Ted Cruz Helps Ken Paxton Join 1 U.S. Hispanic Business Council Town Hall

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Ted Cruz Helps Ken Paxton Join 1 U.S. Hispanic Business Council Town Hall

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