"The bad thing is when anything becomes political, it becomes divided and there are real people that suffer through this," stated."They need to stop fighting and realize they went to D.C. to fix things and make positive change for the United States, not their constituents," said.
Sanchez, the daughter of immigrants, understands their needs, but the Trump administration's border fear increased control.She urged Congress to embrace the bipartisan border plan because "yes, it needed work, but we need the resources now."
Brownsville resident Burkhart said educational opportunities have improved, so success no longer requires moving abroad to attend school. As an economic developer, he finds local talent and helps start businesses that may migrate to Austin or San Antonio.
"I'm hoping, if anything, [that Biden's visit] moves the needle for Congress or somebody to act," said Burkhart. Congress and the president have done nothing, enabling "the current state government to create their own narrative and political theater — if no one is taking the lead on it, why are they not to do it their own way, as terrible as it is?"
He said photographs of floating buoys with razor wires at Eagle Pass and concertina wire along the border have slowed Rio Grande Valley progress.
Biden will bring apolitical Charro Days to Brownsville. The festival honors Mexican cowboys, Mexican Americans, and local Mexicans. Former President Obama attended 2008 Charro Days Sombrero Festival.
According to Navy veteran and firm owner Mauricio Piña, tougher border policing limits cross-border festivities, leading to economic and social effects.
Elon Musk's Space X launch site and significant trade with Matamoros, Mexico, give the city huge potential. He said Mexico is the U.S.'s top trading partner.
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