Gov. Abbott’s Migrant Busing Scheme: Donations Cover Only 1% of Costs

Shifting Financial Burden to Texans

Previously, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a controversial state program designed to transport migrants to sanctuary cities across the nation. Abbott heralded the effort as a community endeavor and claimed its operations would be funded entirely through generous private donations, leaving no financial burden on the state. However, recent reports reveal that the donations managed to shoulder less than 1% of the total program costs.

Private Donations: Falling Short

As per calculations, Texas has expended approximately $150 million since the implementation of this initiative. Among this mushroomed sum, private donations have contributed a meager $550,000 to operations. To break it down, each of the transported 100,000 asylum seekers imposes a $1,500 cost. The donation’s failure to sustain program costs left the remaining financial responsibility on Texans, contributing from their taxpayer treasury.

Adding to the complications, the state couldn’t depend on a significant donation of $900,000 as it turned out to be a mistake or a prank. Furthermore, a person listed as contributing $2,000 revealed that he hadn’t made the purported donation.

About the Migrant Busing Program

Launched around two years ago, Abbott’s ambitious program aimed to transport asylum seekers to sanctuary cities such as New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. The Governor defended the program as a necessary measure to off-set the increasing influx of border crossers. He lambasted the Federal Government for not addressing this pressing issue adequately.

Despite this rationale, this project has been the center of criticism and intense debate. Critics argue that the present White House administration has already enacted more immigration-related executive actions than during the entire term of former president Donald Trump. They argue that more concerted efforts in addressing this issue at a federal level might make such state programs redundant.

Humanitarian Concerns and Whistleblower Report

The program isn’t just under fire for its financial shortcomings and political debates. Many have voiced concerns over its humanitarian implications. Last year, a tragedy occurred where a 3-year-old girl died while being transported to Chicago under the program’s operations.

Moreover, asylum seekers were reportedly left in sanctuary cities amid freezing weather. One whistleblower, who drove buses for the program, unveiled alarming conditions onboard the vehicles, including health risks and overflowing toilets.

Gov. Abbott’s office hasn’t released any comment in light of these recent findings regarding the program’s financing, operations, and human rights implications.

Tags: Gov. Greg Abbott, migrant buses, private donations, New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., border crossings, sanctuary cities, Texas taxes, Texas GOP, Texas politics, asylum seekers, migrants

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