Stella M. Chávez
Immigration/Demographics ReporterStella M. Chávez is KERA’s immigration/demographics reporter. Her journalism roots run deep.
She spent a decade and a half in newspapers – including seven years at The Dallas Morning News, where she covered education and won the Livingston Award for National Reporting, which is given annually to the best journalists across the country under age 35. The award-winning entry was “Yolanda’s Crossing,” a seven-part DMN series she co-wrote that reconstructs the 5,000-mile journey of a young Mexican sexual-abuse victim from a small Oaxacan village to Dallas.
For the last two years, she worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,where she was part of the agency’s outreach efforts on the Affordable Care Act and ran the regional office’s social media efforts.
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The legal battle over SB4, which gives local and state police the authority to arrest someone suspected of illegally entering Texas, has become an emotional roller coaster.
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Police officials said some of the anti-war protestors were charged with obstructing a roadway and otherswere charged with criminal trespass.
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The “We Will Resist” campaign, which includes the Border Network for Human Rights and other immigrant advocate organizations has been traveling the state, calling for the repeal of Senate Bill 4 and the end of Operation Lone Star.
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The Texans United for a Conservative Majority PAChas given at least $385,000 to North Texas candidates running against GOP incumbents who supported Paxton impeachment.
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The Mexican Consulate in Dallas is helping people register to vote in this year's Mexican election. An estimated 12 million Mexican citizens in the U.S. are eligible.
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The bill includes money for aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan as well as funding for humanitarian aid in Gaza and other conflict zones. It also gives the president the authority to “shut down the border” if the number of migrant crossings reaches a certain daily limit.
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The Biden administration and other defendants want a lawsuit brought by Texas and other states that could keep Central American children and their parents apart dismissed.
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The ACLU of Texas and other civil rights groups are trying to block Texas from implementing Senate Bill 4, which makes unauthorized entry into the state a crime.
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Immigration experts are warning that efforts to tie immigration enforcement and military aid to countries like Ukraine could set a dangerous precedent.
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Specialized juvenile dockets will be available in 49 immigration courts around the country. Specially trained staff and judges will manage the cases.
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It's already against federal law to enter the U.S. without permission. In Texas, it's now a state crime too, after Gov. Abbott signed into law a state immigration bill with strict penalties.
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At recent "know your rights" meetings, attendees have been instructed on what to do if they're pulled over or arrested by police in light of new border security legislation.