Bipartisan immigration reform has failed so far in Congress and a U.S. appeals court has stopped a Republican-supported Texas law that would allow the state’s National Guard to arrest those suspected of illegally crossing into the state from Mexico. The Biden administration has said the state legislation clashes with federal law. 

UCLA political scientist Chris Tausanovitch says immigration reform and what happens at the border will continue to be talking points for campaigns during an election year that could impact the balance of power in Congress:

“The Democrats have realized that by supporting a strict border security bill they can undercut one of Trump’s main arguments for his candidacy. This has put Republicans in the difficult position of having to make the case that they are tougher on immigration while opposing a bill that clearly increases border security.”

In addition to Congress, Tausanovitch, who co-authored “The Bitter End: The 2020 Presidential Campaign and the Challenge to American Democracy,” can comment on democracy and representation, public opinion, legislative process, and municipal, state and federal government.