Dear john,

The backlog of immigration court cases has expanded at such a significant pace that the system is overworked. The case backlog nationally has now exceeded over 1.8 million, with over 292,000 of those cases in Texas. The number of immigration judges relative to the increase in incoming cases has caused extensive waiting periods, with the average wait time of 790 days nationally: 814 days in Texas.

That’s why, as a border representative, I continue to fight for the necessary resources and funding to mitigate this backlog in a sensible and efficient manner. Increasing the number of immigration judges is a common-sense solution to the growing number of migrants seeking asylum at the border. By employing more immigration judges, we are able to properly adjudicate the individuals and families entering our country.

As always, if you need help with a federal agency, please contact one of my offices:

• Washington D.C.:(202) 225 1640
• Laredo: (956) 725-0639
• Mission: (956) 424-3942
• San Antonio: (210) 271 2851
• Rio Grande City: (956) 424-3942 

I held a press conference with South Texas media to discuss the recently opened Laredo Immigration Courts, which will have 8 immigration judges and support staff. I fought for over 2 years to fund these new immigration courts because they are much-needed, especially with rising numbers of asylum seekers. This is part of $760 million in federal funding I secured for the Executive Office for Immigration Review to hire more judges to expedite processing.

I attended the San Pedro Creek Celebration in San Antonio to commemorate the grand opening of San Pedro Creek Culture Park’s Phase One. I secured $61.3 million in federal funding for the project because I’m confident that the years of work will pay off for San Antonio families. Once complete, the San Pedro Creek Culture Park is expected to create $1.5 billion for the San Antonio economy, 2,100 new housing units, over 1,400 new downtown employees, and over 7,000 new downtown residents. I also helped deliver over $75 million for the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project, improving biological diversity and outdoor recreation in San Antonio.

I announced that I helped deliver almost $46 million for transportation projects in Atascosa County from TXDoT’s 2023 Unified Transportation Program. This ten-year plan of improvements to Atascosa County roadways and streets is helped by my vote for the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The transportation system in Atascosa County is important for economic development, safety, and prosperity. This funding will make the county a better place to drive in for law enforcement, businesses, and local families.

I announced that I have helped deliver a $10.25 million grant for the Rio Water Supply Corporation to improve Starr County’s water supply and treatment. This United States Department of Agriculture grant will bring better water access to more than 2,000 residents of colonias between Rio Grande City and Roma. The colonias that will receive better water access include Benjamin Perez, Flor del Rio, and La Esperanza. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to seeing that residents of rural areas in Starr County get the quality water resources they deserve.

I attended the first-ever 2D Materials and Manufacturing Workforce Development Program Review from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research at TAMIU in Laredo. I was joined by over 50 ROTC students from TAMIU and across Texas to highlight how this program funds STEM research that increases national security. I secured over $10 million to expand this program so students can learn the STEM skills that will help keep our nation safe.

I announced that I have secured $1.4 million for South Texas College’s Project ACCESS (Assistance in Child Care and Enhanced Support Services). This funding will support 45 Pell Grant-eligible student parents pursuing their studies at South Texas College with quality childcare. This funding is from the Department of Education’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS), which 75% of South Texas College student parents said they could not attend college without. In Fiscal Year 2022, I made sure that an extra $10 million was added, increasing the program to $65 million per year. South Texas student parents who would have left school now have support to accomplish their goal of higher education.

I announced that I delivered $121 million in transportation funding for roadway projects that will help Starr County in its development. The projects will be in construction over the next 10 years, leading to future generations having increased economic growth that will move Starr County forward. With safer and modernized roadways, Starr County will see increased jobs and prosperity. I’m focused on improving the infrastructure so our region can experience growth that will make it more prosperous.

I announced that I secured a $2.5 million federal earmark to improve water pipes and better water pressure on the east side of Rio Grande City. The East Water Loop project will address Rio Grande City’s need to have adequate water pressure for its economy, health, and public safety. I’m confident that this funding will improve infrastructure and quality of life for local families.

I attended the Saint Augustine Jamaíca-what a great traditional South Texas event for Laredo! Thank you to Saint Augustine Principal Olga Gentry and Bishop Tamayo of the Diocese of Laredo for hosting this jamaíca that brought our community together.

My Rio Grande City Outreach Coordinator, Roberto Bazan, attended Rio Grande City’s Market Days event at Kelsey Bass Museum. This event brought Starr County together, with local vendors offering food, clothes, jewelry, and more.

My San Antonio Outreach Coordinator, Eric Cleveland, attended the State of the County celebrating Judge Nelson Wolff in San Antonio. Judge Wolff has served Bexar County for over 21 years as County Judge, Mayor, State Representative, State Senator, and more. Thank you for your service to South Texas!

My office joined Starr County Neida Martinez and Texas A&M AgriLife Extensjon for their Halloween Treat Challenge. This event brought local families together, with local children competing to make healthy Halloween snacks.