The Controversial Busing of Migrants: Who's Footing the Bill?

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been offering free bus rides to migrants from border towns to cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, in an effort to share the responsibility of caring for newly arrived migrants with Democratic politicians who support a more welcoming immigration policy. However, the number of migrants offered free passage is only a fraction of those who regularly make their way from the southern border to cities across the country, usually funded by relatives, aid groups, or their own savings. The strain on resources in some cities is due to the needier composition of migrants arriving on the free buses, such as Venezuelans fleeing economic hardship and political turmoil, who often lack connections and resources.