In the autumn of 2021, Texas faced a sudden influx of over 9,000 migrants crossing the border into Del Rio, creating challenges for the town. As a response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott initiated a busing program to transport migrants to Democrat-led cities across the United States. Over 119,000 people have been bused as part of this program, significantly impacting migration patterns and the immigration debate.
The busing program began with migrants being offered free rides from Eagle Pass, Texas, to cities like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, and Denver. While initially viewed as a political stunt by some, the program continued to expand, reaching cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The destinations were cities supportive of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, leading to an increase in migrants seeking free housing and transportation.
The impact of the busing program on cities has been significant. Shelters in these cities quickly filled up, and city officials had to rent hotels to accommodate the newcomers. The program has also reshaped migration patterns, with more migrants being drawn to cities offering free housing and transportation. Additionally, the majority of migrants bused through the program in the first two years were from Venezuela.
As the busing program continues to grow, new target cities like Boston, Detroit, and Albuquerque are being added to the list. The program has become a critical part of the country’s transportation infrastructure for migrants, with thousands of people being bused to various cities based on their immigration court assignments. The busing program has had a varying impact on different cities, with some experiencing a significant influx of migrants from Venezuela.
Overall, Governor Greg Abbott’s busing strategy has transformed migration patterns and sparked debates over immigration policies. The program’s expansion and reach continue to influence how migrants travel across the United States, highlighting the complexities of immigration and the challenges faced by both migrants and destination cities.