From a realistic standpoint, what would it take for Texas to secede the Union? What are the obstacles? What are the logistics? What are the long term problems we would face as a state? Would other states, or even other countries take us seriously if it happened? Would they trade, or deal with us? What problems would residents face if they needed to travel outside of Texas? What about politicians getting on board and supporting this? What about people that wanted to move to Texas?
Personally, I do like the sound of it. I have heard this for many, many years, and it sounds good in theory, but I have many doubts of it actually working in reality. I see many more complications and problems, and many downsides than upsides.
Texas was its own country for a decade before joining the US. We have our own power grid, so we're not relying on others (or at least not much) for energy. We'd be a major oil and gas exporter - which would help us get world acceptance. We have other large industries already present here - auto manufacturing and high tech. We have food to export as well (who doesn't love Texas beef, besides maybe India?)
From an economic standpoint I think Texas would quickly hit a point of being just fine as its own country.
The biggest problem would be the politics - getting enough support from state and local reps to *do* it. And then convincing the Texas Guard to get behind the movement in case peaceful secession was not an option. Of 29 million Texas residents, how many would need to answer the call? If we harken to the 3% notion - that's 870,000 men and women who would have to step up and defend the state.
Travel outside of Texas would become international travel - might be really dicey during the secession period. Who knows if major airlines would operate in and out of Texas. Might have to travel via Mexico first, if visiting other countries?
As for others who want to move to Texas at that point - there's no reason we couldn't setup a relatively fast check for citizenship or visa - no relocation if you're a felon, wife beater, have a history of drug arrests -and must have a work contract lined up before application, with a contingent agreement for rental unless the person has enough money to in the bank to support themselves. A check of social media could be included in the background check to weed out communist / socialists or sympathizers.
There are a million things that would need addressed, but I think it would be doable if the political will was there.