Frustrated by the Biden Administration’s immigration failures, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week signed a bill making it a state crime for migrants to cross the southern border illegally. The flood of migrants is a major state problem, but the only effective solution lies in Congress.

The Texas law makes it a misdemeanor to cross the border illegally, punishable by up to six months in jail. Foreign migrants who attempt to enter Texas after being deported could be charged with a felony. A federal grant of asylum, lawful presence, or protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals would be an “affirmative defense” from prosecution.