Texas Files Almost Two Dozen New Immigration Bills in 2025

Immigration remains a hot topic throughout the nation, but this issue seems particularly crucial in border states like Texas. In early 2025, the Lone Star State filed almost two dozen new immigration and border bills. If they pass, these new laws could dramatically change immigration law in Texas. As a result, those navigating the immigration process in Texas should gain an understanding of potential future changes.

It may be easier to navigate these uncertainties with help from an immigration law firm in Texas. Garza Law Office, PLLC, is home to Attorney Dora Alicia Garza, an experienced immigration lawyer in Texas. Since establishing this law firm shortly after earning her Doctor of Jurisprudence, she has helped numerous hopeful immigrants. With assistance from this immigration attorney in Texas, it may be easier to face new, more restrictive laws in Texas.

House Bill 354

One of the most notable new bills filed in early 2025 is House Bill 354. This bill would create a Texas Border Protection Unit to arrest anyone who crosses the Mexico-Texas border illegally. Essentially, this would be a state version of the federal Border Patrol – and the two units would assumedly work side-by-side. Along with arresting those who cross illegally, the Texas Border Protection Unit would also be responsible for the construction of physical barriers along the border – such as walls.

A previous iteration of this bill failed to pass last year, and some believe similar results are likely. However, support for stronger borders has been rising to new levels, and supporters say this bill has a good chance of passing.

House Bill 354 highlights the need to work with experienced immigration lawyers. The consequences of crossing the border illegally are more severe than ever – and it makes more sense to work with legal professionals to enter the country legally. This may be easier than you realize, especially when working with an experienced immigration attorney.

Senate Bill 81

Another notable bill in early 2025 is Senate Bill 81. If it passes into law, this bill would allow the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to send anyone caught illegally crossing the border back to Mexico. Combined with House Bill 354, this could mean that anyone who tries to cross illegally could be deported almost immediately. An interesting aspect of this bill is the way it equates border crossing with literal invasions. This is a notion that Governor Abbott has voiced before in 2022 when he attempted to find a legal justification for tougher border policies.

Another interesting aspect of Senate Bill 81 would give the DPS the authority to use force against known transnational cartel operatives. This may involve the detection, opposition, apprehension, detention, and arrest of such operatives. However, many critics have pointed out that the bill does not define who “cartel operatives” are. These might be genuine cartel members, or they may be people who are simply interacting with the cartel in order to cross the border.

Senate Bill 134

Senate Bill 134 would force law enforcement in counties and cities across Texas to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Furthermore, city and county governments would need to facilitate agreements with ICE that authorize their law enforcement officials to act on behalf of ICE. This would allow average state and city police officers to enforce federal immigration laws. Those who refuse to cooperate in this manner could be sued by the government of Texas.

In the eyes of conservative lawmakers, this bill is necessary because there simply are not enough federal ICE officers to carry out the new administration’s “mass deportation policies.” By making local police officers de-facto members of ICE, these ambitious plans could become more viable.

These are only a few immigration bills out of the almost two dozen filed in early 2025. Others provide rewards for lawyers who prosecute illegal immigrants, require undocumented children to be fingerprinted, and much more. Despite these challenges, it is still possible to navigate the United States immigration system alongside an experienced lawyer.

Can a Texas Immigration Law Firm Help Me Settle in the United States?

Many hopeful immigrants rely on experienced immigration lawyers to confidently settle in the United States. Regardless of new federal and state laws, you can employ various strategies to pursue permanent residence, work permits, and citizenship. Garza Law Office, PLLC, is ready to help – and you’re not alone in your journey toward a better life. To get started with our experienced immigration attorney, call 956-329-1304 today.

Dora Alicia Garza

Dora Alicia Garza is a seasoned attorney based in Texas and the Founder of Garza Law Office, PLLC. She has built a respected practice across multiple areas of law, including criminal defense, family law, personal injury, guardianships & wills, estate planning & probate, immigration, debt defense and juvenile law. Learn more here.