Abdul Wasi Safi was trying to reach his brother, who immigrated legally to Houston after helping the U.S. military. Legal experts say Wasi may have to serve a criminal sentence before he can pursue asylum.
Allison P. Erickson
Allison P. Erickson was a reporting fellow at The Texas Tribune, covering military and veterans issues in Texas, from August 2022 through February 2023, under a partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism.
Allison served as a Medical Service Corps officer in the U.S. Army from 2011 to 2018, rising to the rank of captain and completing a combat deployment to Afghanistan. She is a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and an Army Commendation Medal.
A native of San Antonio, Allison studied editorial journalism at Texas Christian University before she joined the military. She has written for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas Monthly and The Point. She has a master’s degree in creative publishing and critical journalism from The New School in New York. She has since worked freelance assignments in print and digital news and produced podcast reporting on migration, politics and health.
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
Texas votes: Abortion, border security and marijuana energize voters on Election Day
Texas voters cast their ballots Tuesday with a wide variety of issues on their minds, including the state’s grid and the Uvalde shooting.
Posted in
Demographics
Rural Texas is the state’s foundation. And it’s in jeopardy.
Downtowns are deserted, hospitals are closing, teachers are leaving. Every part of life in rural Texas is harder — but it’s worth saving.
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
What is the Texas National Guard and why does it matter in this year’s gubernatorial election?
A governor’s military powers are often not discussed as part of the election process, in favor of other prominent issues like education and taxes. But with Operation Lone Star in plain view, voters may have more questions this election.
Posted in
Health care
Dallas, El Paso veterans’ facilities will get $442 million in upgrades
The funds will help expand the Dallas facility into a long-term spinal cord injury treatment center and pay for a new health care facility in El Paso.
Posted in
Health care
A Texas congresswoman wants to make cancer care easier for the growing number of female veterans
U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, hopes the pilot program will help female veterans get better access to cancer care.
Posted in
Courts
A disabled veteran has waited eight years for a $1 million settlement from the Air Force
David P. Bighia had hoped to work at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio. Instead, he’s been fighting the Air Force as he faces home foreclosure.
Posted in
Politics
Veterans Affairs says it will provide abortions — even in Texas
The VA follows the Department of Defense in providing access to abortion as several states, including Texas, essentially ban the procedure following the U.S. Supreme Court decision ending nationwide protection.
Posted in
Environment
Texas’ heat index could reach 125 degrees over the next 30 years, study finds
“If it’s gonna rise by that much, I don’t think we’re prepared,” one South Texas mayor said of temperature increases.
Posted in
Economy
Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan could lower debt for more than half of Texas college graduates
People earning $125,000 or less will see $10,000 eliminated from their student loan debt. People in that group who received federal Pell Grants will see $20,000 in debt eliminated, a move intended to help low-income borrowers.