EssayPOLS2023-copy
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University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley *
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Political Science
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Feb 20, 2024
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Do values and beliefs affect ethical decision making in Texas
government and politics? What is the most important ethical problem
facing Texas? How does this relate to the country at large? NAME: Gael Hernandez
SCHOOL: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
COURSE: POLS-2306-83L-Fall2023
PROFESSOR: Dr. Michael Espinoza
DATE: 12/08/2023
The values and beliefs that individuals hold have an impact on ethical decision making in Texas government and politics. These principles serve as guiding lights for leaders and public officials influencing the choices they make. As Texas is a state with its own unique cultural background, its citizens hold a wide range of values and beliefs. However, these different perspectives can sometimes lead to conflicts when it comes to making decisions that prioritize the well being of the state's population.
This essay aims to delve into how values and beliefs shape decision making in Texas government and politics. Additionally, it will address the significant ethical issue currently faced by Texas and discuss its implications for the entire country. One of the pressing challenges confronting Texas revolves around immigration and border control due to its proximity to the U.S. Mexico border. Immigration has become a debated topic given that over 25 years the state's population has increased by 6.3 million individuals with immigration playing a crucial role in this growth.
1
Between 1970 and 1990 alone around one million people chose Texas as their home through legal means of immigration. While measuring immigration accurately is challenging, based on INS apprehension numbers for illegal aliens along with data from the 1986
amnesty program that granted legal status to approximately 446,000 aliens, in Texas, an estimated 420,000 to 460,000 unauthorized immigrants were residing in the state by 1994. Policymakers face a task when it comes to addressing the ethical dilemmas related to border security, migrant treatment and finding the right balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting human rights. The polling data archive from the Texas Politics Project sheds light 1
Bouvier, Leon F., and John L. Martin. “Shaping Texas: The Effects of Immigration, 1970-2020.” CIS.org, April 1, 1995. https://cis.org/Report/Shaping-Texas-Effects-Immigration-
19702020#:~:text=In%2025%20years%2C%20the%20population,immigration%20is%20difficult
%20to%20measure
.
on how Republican voters perceive these issues and highlights the significance of immigration and border security in their minds. According to 21 out of 27 polls conducted since 2015 by the Texas Politics Project most Republican voters have consistently identified immigration or border
security as the concern for the state
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. The values, beliefs and worries of Texans including security concerns, economic impacts and humanitarian considerations all shape how Texas approaches this complex ethical challenge. The ethical complexities surrounding immigration in Texas are deeply intertwined with the national discourse on immigration policy. As Texas grapples with challenges related to its borders, decisions made within the state have consequences that reverberate throughout the entire country. Practices implemented in Texas influence how we perceive and address immigration at a national level. The choices made by Texas impact policies directly contributing to broader discussions surrounding border security measures immigration reform efforts and how individuals seeking asylum are treated. As we navigate these challenges in Texas our choices contribute significantly to ongoing debates about striking a balance between national interests and upholding our ethical responsibilities when it comes to addressing immigration issues. Apart from the challenges posed by immigration and border control, Texas also grapples with an ethical dilemma in ensuring fair and equal access to education. The state faces disparities in resources, funding and opportunities particularly between urban and rural areas. Policymakers in Texas are influenced by the values and beliefs of its residents regarding the government's role in education, resource allocation and the importance of providing opportunities for all students.
2
Blank, By: Jim HensonJoshua. “Why Immigration and Border Security Endure as the Central Axis of Texas Republican Politics.” The Texas Politics Project, September 21, 2023. https://texaspolitics.utexas.edu/blog/why-immigration-and-border-security-endure-central-axis-
texas-republican-politics
.
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In conclusion, the values and beliefs held by Texans have an impact on ethical decision making within the realm of Texas government and politics. This is especially true when addressing issues like immigration. The ethical problem related to immigration and border control carries implications not only for Texas but also for the entire country. Given its status as a border state Texas plays a role in shaping national conversations, on immigration policies and practices reflecting broader ethical considerations surrounding this intricate issue.