DALLAS () As the Trump administration advances its agenda on mass deportation and public education, Texas is pushing forward with legislation that could block those in the United States illegally from accessing higher education.
Texas Senate Bill 1798 would bar students without legal status from receiving state funds from universities, “including a scholarship, grant or other financial aid.” Additionally, it would prevent those students from paying discounted in-state tuition rates.
If passed, the legislation would impact thousands of students and millions in funding.
Texas senator: Public funds should be for US citizens
Introduced by Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, the bill aims to end provisions of the Texas Dream Act, which has allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition for more than 20 years.
Middleton argues that public funds for higher education should be reserved for U.S. citizens.
“In the 2024-2025 school year alone, more than 20,000 undocumented migrants received in-state tuition benefits that resulted in an estimated $150 million in subsidies. These are funds that could’ve been used to support lawful residents, perhaps even used to lower tuition or fees for citizens,” Middleton said during an April 22 committee hearing.
Supporters of the bill believe in-state tuition rates are bringing more immigrants to Texas and, as a result, costing Texas taxpayers more money.
Critics, however, warn that the bill threatens the future of thousands of students.
Texas has second-most students in US illegally: Report
According to the nonpartisan Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, about 57,000 students without legal status are currently enrolled in Texas universities and colleges. Texas ranks among the top five in the country, along with California, Florida, New York and New Jersey.
Several people testified on the life-changing impact of the Texas Dream Act during the committee hearing.
“My journey started with an opportunity, and now I get to give opportunities to others. The Texas Dream Act is more than a policy it’s a lifeline. And it tells young people like me, you matter, your dreams matter, your story matters, and your contributions matter,” said Marie Elena Domingez, a Texas Dream Act beneficiary.
Since Texas enacted the Texas Dream Act in 2001 the first state in the U.S. to do so 23 other states have followed suit with similar laws.
