The pro-amnesty LIBRE Initiative—along with its partner organization, Americans for Prosperity—announced its first round of endorsements for the Texas Legislature on Friday.
Both organizations are heavily funded by the Koch network, which has repeatedly led “immigration reform” efforts in Washington, D.C., including granting permanent legal status for those in the country illegally.
Specifically marketing itself as a limited government advocacy organization targeted toward the Hispanic community, the LIBRE Initiative echoes these pro-amnesty positions on their issues page:
Creating a permanent solution for Dreamers: People deserve certainty and the ability to plan their lives. Yet Congress has taken more than 20 years to address this ongoing issue with a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers and those with Temporary Protective Status (TPS). We need a law that provides such certainty, including permanent status for Dreamers and TPS recipients, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for over two decades and have been contributors to our communities, and our nation’s fabric.
Addressing the undocumented population: Today’s immigration system keeps too many decent, industrious people from fully participating in the American experience. For those who want nothing more than to build a better future and contribute to our society, a permanent legislative solution is needed. We support a system that recognizes contributing members among the undocumented population, affording individuals an opportunity to come out of the shadows and get right with the law.
The first round of the organization’s Texas endorsements was granted to Adam Blanchard (HD-122), Pete Flores (SD-24), Laura Hill (HD-93), State Rep. Mayes Middleton (SD-11), Hayden Padgett (HD-70), State Rep. Tan Parker (SD-12), and Kronda Thimesch (HD-65).
In their announcement, AFP and LIBRE said they were “committed to seeing policy changes throughout Texas and are willing to spend up to $1M to ensure these candidates clear their primaries in March.”
Texas Scorecard reached out to all the endorsed campaigns, and as of publishing received one response from Pete Flores, a former state senator campaigning to return to the chamber.
“I am for legal immigration, and the rule of law. Just as my great grandfather and my own wife have done, became proud Americans the right way,” said Flores.
“The process of law must be followed. Consistently.”