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The border’s political value is crushing talks on policy on January 28, 2024 at 11:00 am

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A dizzying week in Washington and Austin has the GOP rallying around Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) as he pledges not to back down in his escalating standoff with the Biden administration over border enforcement, while former President Trump has been working to tank a bipartisan border deal.

Abbott and Trump are marshaling Republican broadsides against President Biden on his most vulnerable issue, but while the Texas governor’s flirting with constitutional crisis is drawing near-unanimous GOP cheers, Trump’s blunt attempt to derail funding talks threatens to divide the party.

The two leaders’ approaches have laid bare the GOP strategy of campaigning on a broken border, even if it means defying Supreme Court orders or tanking a Senate deal with a number of Republican immigration priorities.

“I think the border is a very important issue for Donald Trump,” Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) told reporters Thursday. 

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“And the fact that he would communicate to Republican senators and congresspeople that he doesn’t want us to solve the border problem because he wants to blame Biden for it is really appalling.”

Trump’s efforts to keep the border chaotic for his own political benefit deflated an already-shaky deal crafted through months of negotiations among Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.).

Since news of the Trump-mandated Republican walk-off broke midweek, some GOP leaders including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have tried to rescue the deal, which reportedly includes concessions Democrats were unlikely to cede under any other circumstances.

The left shed few tears for Murphy, Lankford and Sinema’s presumably lost man-hours — the talks had been panned both over the leaked tidbits of substance and for the way they were carried out.

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“I’ve been closely involved in many bills for over 20 years and this is the worst process I’ve ever seen for any bill- this border bill has not been vetted by any relevant committee. Members outside the group have no idea what’s in it. No people of color involved. Gross,” posted Kerri Talbot, executive director of the Immigration Hub, earlier this month.

But Democratic opponents of the deal stayed mum as it unraveled, ceding the stage to Republican opponents eager to crush any deal that falls short of H.R.2, the House GOP-passed border policy bill that Democrats have called dead on arrival in the Senate.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) returned the favor Friday.

“I wanted to provide a brief update regarding the supplemental and the border, since the Senate appears unable to reach any agreement. If rumors about the contents of the draft proposal are true, it would have been dead on arrival in the House anyway,” wrote Johnson in a letter to his colleagues.

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To Democrats, it’s Republicans who are causing chaos at the border: They accuse them of spending years turning down immigration packages as well as funding to surge resources to the border.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) pointed to that history, blasting the GOP for road blocking border fixes while inviting parents of children killed by fentanyl and gang violence to testify before Congress.

“If you came looking for an audience that is serious and wants you to take up this issue, I’m afraid you’re in the wrong place. I’m afraid that when it comes to immigration solutions, too many of my colleagues would rather have the issue than the fix,” Swalwell told two mothers in a hearing last week to weigh impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the border.

“This is where they seek fame, rather than a fix. And what you’re going to find here is that if we were to solve this crisis, this committee wouldn’t have anything to talk about. And that’s more important to the Speaker of this House and that’s more important to the person that too many of them rely upon when they make decisions, which is the former president.”

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Trump’s congressional interference, however, was somewhat overshadowed by Abbott’s saber-rattling.

The governor’s vague pledges about Texas’s “sovereign interest in protecting their borders” from an “invasion” in the wake of a Supreme Court loss, drew hurrahs from Trump and offers of National Guard support from GOP Govs. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, Ron DeSantis of Florida, Glenn Youngkin of Virginia and Brian Kemp of Georgia.

The Supreme Court on Monday cleared the way for the Border Patrol to cut razor wire installed by Texas that the Border Patrol said was impeding it from doing its job while presenting a risk to agents and migrants alike.

But Abbott’s intransigence even after that loss raises questions about what’s next in the simmering battle between Texas and the federal government, which has already seen lawsuits over the state’s placement of buoys in the Rio Grande and blocking federal access to a park where federal officials had previously been processing migrants.

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Abbott didn’t lay out any specific next steps but pointed to the Constitution’s nods to states’ rights as “the supreme law of the land,” arguing Texas law enforcement is “acting on that authority.” 

Though Texas and the federal government disagree on a range of issues and interpretations of law, Abbott’s constitutional argument for the state to take immigration enforcement into its own hands – including through the use of the Texas National Guard – boils down to whether the arrival of migrants is indeed an “invasion.”

“I think the Ukrainians can give us a pretty good definition of what invasion is right now,” said David Leopold, legal adviser to America’s Voice, a progressive immigration advocacy group.

Democrats including Texas Rep. Joaquín Castro have called on Biden to federalize the Texas National Guard, a move reminiscent of actions taken by Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy against Southern states that refused to do away with segregation in the 1950s and 1960s.

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That idea was widely panned in right-wing media this week, including by Abbott himself.

Asked on Friday by Tucker Carlson how he would react to federalization of the National Guard, Abbott said it would be “a boneheaded move” by Biden, “a total disaster.”

He added that Texas is prepared to continue building border barriers and “expand our denial of illegal entry into the state” with Texas Department of Public Safety officers, other law enforcement agencies and National Guard troops from other states.

Stitt, the governor of Oklahoma, told “Fox and Friends’” Steve Doocy “the only possible explanation” for Democrats’ actions “is they’re wanting to nationalize and get a bunch of voters in, that they think it’s going to swing elections.”

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“That’s the only logical explanation, and it’s absolutely illogical to think that we have leaders that are more focused on the next election instead of doing what’s right for America.”

Under current immigration and naturalization laws, it is impossible for migrants arriving at the border today to vote in the next federal election, and a majority of those migrants are likely not eligible for any form of permanent residency in the United States, much less for naturalization.

Yet Stitt’s false claim exemplifies the chasm between different perspectives on border and immigration policy – differences that are at the heart of Texas’s claim that it must supplant the federal government in enforcing the immigration policies its leaders expect from the Biden administration.

But immigration policy has been ruled by the Supreme Court to be exclusively the realm of the federal government.

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“If every state decides on its own what its immigration policy is, who comes in, who doesn’t come in, who’s documented, who’s not, who’s expelled, who’s not, then the ‘united’ part of the United States is rendered meaningless. Because you don’t have a United States, you have just 50 different countries,” said Leopold.

​ A dizzying week in Washington and Austin has the GOP rallying around Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) as he pledges not to back down in his escalating standoff with the Biden administration over border enforcement, while former President Trump has been working to tank a bipartisan border deal. Abbott and Trump are marshaling Republican broadsides… 

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The Cities Bracing for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

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In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory and his promise of “the largest deportation operation in American history,” several major U.S. cities are bracing for potentially seismic shifts in their economic and social landscapes. As the nation grapples with the implications of this proposed policy, urban centers that have long been havens for immigrant communities find themselves at the epicenter of a looming storm.

Los Angeles, often dubbed the “City of Angels,” stands to lose more than its celestial nickname suggests. As a primary gateway for immigrants, the city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and its economic engine could face significant disruption. From the bustling streets of Koreatown to the sun-drenched orchards of the Central Valley, the absence of undocumented workers could leave gaping holes in the city’s workforce and cultural identity.

Across the country, New York City, with its iconic skyline and melting pot reputation, faces its own reckoning. The Big Apple’s 5.9 million immigrants, many of whom are undocumented, form the backbone of industries ranging from construction to healthcare. The potential exodus could transform neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Flushing, altering the very essence of what makes New York a global city.In the Sunshine State, Miami’s tropical allure belies the turbulent times ahead. Home to 2.5 million immigrants, the city’s economy relies heavily on sectors like tourism and hospitality – industries where undocumented workers often fill crucial roles. The potential deportation of these workers could send shockwaves through Miami’s economic ecosystem, from South Beach’s glitzy hotels to the agricultural heartlands of South Florida.

Chicago, the “City of Big Shoulders,” may find those shoulders significantly weakened. With 1.7 million immigrants in its metropolitan area, the Windy City’s diverse neighborhoods and industries face an uncertain future. From the meatpacking plants to the tech startups, Chicago’s economic resilience could be tested like never before.

In the Lone Star State, Houston and Dallas stand as twin testaments to the complexities of immigration policy. These Texas titans, each home to large immigrant populations, could see their booming economies stumble. The construction sites that dot their ever-expanding skylines and the service industries that keep these cities humming could face unprecedented labor shortages.

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Out West, the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and progress could be challenged. The region’s tech industry, often reliant on immigrant talent, might find itself grappling with a new reality. From Silicon Valley’s coding campuses to the agricultural expanses of the Central Valley, California’s economic powerhouse could face a reckoning. Phoenix, rising from the Sonoran Desert, could see its growth trajectory altered. As Arizona’s urban center, it stands at the forefront of the immigration debate, potentially facing not just economic impacts but social and political upheaval as well.

These cities, along with others like San Diego and Las Vegas, are not just facing potential economic disruptions. They are staring down the barrel of profound social change. Family separations, community fragmentation, and the erosion of cultural enclaves built over generations are all possible consequences of mass deportations. Moreover, the fiscal implications are staggering. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in taxes annually, often without receiving the full benefits of their contributions. Their sudden absence could leave gaping holes in city budgets, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure projects.

As these urban centers brace for impact, the debate rages on. Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue for the need to enforce laws and protect American jobs. Critics warn of economic devastation and the unraveling of America’s urban fabric. What’s clear is that America’s cities stand at a crossroads. The coming months and years will likely reshape urban landscapes in ways both visible and invisible. From the foods we eat to the services we rely on, from the neighborhoods we call home to the very character of our cities, the impacts of this proposed immigration crackdown could be far-reaching and long-lasting. As the nation watches and waits, these cities – vibrant, diverse, and economically vital – find themselves on the front lines of a policy that could redefine what it means to be an American city in the 21st century.

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How Trump’s Deportation Plans Could Reshape Major Cities

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In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory, his ambitious plans for mass deportations have thrust America’s urban centers into the spotlight. As the nation grapples with the potential implications of what Trump calls “the largest deportation operation in American history,” cities across the country are bracing for significant changes that could reshape their economic, social, and cultural landscapes.

The stakes are particularly high for metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Miami, which host the largest populations of unauthorized immigrants. These cities, along with other major urban hubs such as Chicago, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, stand at the forefront of a looming transformation that could reverberate throughout the nation.

Economic Tremors

Economists warn that the proposed deportations could send shockwaves through urban economies. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, cautions that businesses would face “significant challenges” if a substantial number of immigrants were removed. Industries such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare—pillars of urban economies—could face severe labor shortages.

Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, emphasizes the potential ripple effects: “The native-born workforce cannot meet current labor demands.” This labor gap could lead to increased wages, potentially rekindling inflation—a concern that looms large over city planners and policymakers alike.

Community Fabric Under Strain

Beyond economic considerations, the social fabric of cities hangs in the balance. Elena, a Nicaraguan immigrant in Houston, voices a fear echoed in immigrant communities across the nation: “I’m scared… This is my home.” The threat of family separations, particularly in mixed-status households, casts a long shadow over urban neighborhoods.

Immigrant advocacy groups like FIEL are mobilizing, advising clients to prepare for “anything that can happen.” This atmosphere of uncertainty could lead to decreased community engagement and cooperation with local authorities, potentially impacting public safety and community cohesion.

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Cities at a Crossroads

As the debate intensifies, cities find themselves at a crossroads. Some, like New York and Los Angeles, have historically positioned themselves as “sanctuary cities,” often at odds with federal immigration enforcement. The impending clash between federal policy and local governance promises to be a defining feature of this new political landscape.

Meanwhile, the logistical challenges of implementing such a massive deportation operation remain daunting. Questions abound regarding detention facilities, transportation networks, and the sheer manpower required to carry out Trump’s vision.

Looking Ahead

As America’s urban centers brace for potential change, the full impact of Trump’s deportation plans remains to be seen. Legal challenges are all but certain, and the resilience of America’s cities will be put to the test.

What is clear is that the coming months and years will be pivotal for urban America. As Jason Miller, a senior Trump adviser, puts it, the plan is to “immediately reinstate” immigration policies from Trump’s first term. For America’s cities, this could mean a period of unprecedented change, challenge, and, potentially, transformation.

As the nation watches and waits, the story of America’s cities in the face of this ambitious deportation plan is just beginning to unfold. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of urban life in America for years to come.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

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Donald Trump Wins 2024 USA Election

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Based on the election results, Donald Trump has indeed won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Here’s an analysis of the key statistics and implications:

Electoral College Victory

Donald Trump has secured the presidency by winning crucial battleground states and flipping some key states that were previously held by Democrats. The final Electoral College tally is still being determined, but Trump has surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win.

Battleground State Performance

Trump’s victory was largely secured by winning several critical swing states:

  • Wisconsin: Trump’s win here was pivotal in securing his path to victory.
  • Pennsylvania: This state flipped back to Republican control.
  • Georgia: Another key state that Trump managed to win back.
  • Michigan: Trump successfully flipped this traditionally Democratic stronghold.

While the final popular vote tally is still being calculated, exit polls provide insight into voter priorities:

Congressional Control

The election results extend beyond the presidency:

Media Implications

The outcome of this election could be seen as a challenge to mainstream media narratives for several reasons:

  1. Polling Discrepancies: Many pre-election polls suggested a tight race or even a slight Harris advantage in key states. Trump’s victory, particularly in battleground states, may indicate that polls underestimated his support.
  2. Narrative Shifts: Throughout the campaign, much of the mainstream media focused on Trump’s legal challenges and controversies. His victory suggests that these issues may not have resonated with voters as much as economic and policy concerns.
  3. Voter Priorities: The emphasis on issues like the economy and immigration in voter decision-making may indicate a disconnect between media focus and voter concerns.
  4. Electoral Predictions: Many mainstream outlets were cautious about predicting a Trump victory, even as results began to favor him. This hesitancy could be seen as a reflection of broader media skepticism about Trump’s chances.
  5. Underestimation of Trump’s Base: The results suggest that Trump’s core support remained strong and potentially grew, despite negative coverage in much of the mainstream media.

It’s important to note that while the election outcome may challenge some media narratives, it doesn’t necessarily invalidate all mainstream reporting. The complex factors influencing voter behavior and the challenges of accurate political forecasting remain subjects of ongoing analysis and debate.

As the dust settles on this historic election, both the media and political analysts will likely engage in extensive reflection on the factors that led to Trump’s victory and the implications for future political coverage and analysis.

Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!

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