‘Undocumented’ vs ‘illegal’ in the Senate Nominations Committee
*This is rich, in something akin to irony mixed with ignorance. Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell says that using the term “undocumented” is like “carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.” This is beyond cynicism, but looking to be par for this session of the Texas legislature – and it’s just beginning. VL
By Peggy Fikac, San Antonio Express News
AUSTIN ¬– Gov. Greg Abbott’s secretary of state nominee, Carlos Cascos, was recommended 7-0 for confirmation Thursday by the Senate Nominations Committee.
But first, he was chided by its chairman for using the word “undocumented” rather than “illegal” to describe immigrants without papers.
Cascos, who was born in Mexico and is Cameron County judge, used the description when discussing border security.
“I believe that 99 percent or more of the folks that come over to this country, albeit undocumented, come here for one purpose only — to better their lives, take care of their families. But you do have that percentage of element that may come over to do harm to our country,” said Cascos, who expressed wholehearted support for the need to secure the border.
Sen. Brian Birdwell — a Granbury Republican who heads Nominations and has long pressed to end in-state college tuition for immigrants here without documents — cited Cascos’ use of the word later in his confirmation hearing.
“I do wanted to make one correction if I may, judge. You mentioned ‘undocumented’ as to those that would come across the border illegally. As secretary of state, words have meanings. And they’re very precise,” Birdwell said.
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[Photo by Texas Military Forces/Flickr]