Dallas, July 24, 2025
News Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Texas to end the Texas Dream Act, which allowed undocumented immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition. The law, in effect for 24 years, was deemed unconstitutional following a court ruling that it violates federal law. The DOJ argues the Texas law conflicts with federal regulations, seeking to halt its enforcement and demanding reimbursement from the state. This ruling impacts an estimated 20,000 undocumented students in Texas public higher education, raising concerns about educational opportunities for affected individuals.
Dallas – The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a lawsuit against Texas, aiming to end a law that has allowed undocumented immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition at state universities. This law, known as the Texas Dream Act, has been in effect for 24 years but has now been deemed unconstitutional following a ruling by a Texas court that prohibits the state from enforcing it.
The Department of Justice filed its complaint in the Northern District of Texas, arguing that the law violates federal regulations governing benefits available to undocumented immigrants. According to the lawsuit, the Texas law is in blatant conflict with federal laws, specifically pointing out violations of the “supremacy clause.” This clause establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws when they conflict.
The lawsuit references two executive orders signed by former President Trump, which delineate the federal government’s authority in this area. The DOJ seeks not only to stop the enforcement of the Texas Dream Act but also to demand that the state reimburse the federal government for costs incurred without specifying the total amount. The lawsuit does not outline a response deadline for Texas officials.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the Texas Dream Act for treating some residents as “second-class citizens.” Conversely, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hailed the court’s ruling as a significant win, arguing that the law provided benefits to undocumented immigrants that were not available to U.S. citizens.
The U.S. District Court in Texas accepted the DOJ’s claims, enforcing a permanent injunction against the Texas Dream Act. This ruling affects the estimated 20,000 undocumented students who represent about 1.5% of enrollment in Texas public higher education.
The Texas Dream Act originally allowed any student residing in Texas to qualify for in-state tuition, regardless of citizenship status, after meeting certain conditions. These included having lived in Texas for three years prior to high school graduation and demonstrating a commitment to applying for legal resident status.
During the current legislative session in Texas, a bill aimed at overturning the Texas Dream Act was proposed but ultimately failed to pass. Meanwhile, the University of Houston conducted a poll showing that nearly two-thirds of Texans support provisions that would allow undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S. under certain conditions. University officials from institutions such as UT Austin and Texas State University have indicated that they will comply with the court ruling.
Advocacy groups have expressed strong disapproval of the ruling, asserting that it severely limits educational opportunities for countless students who now face increased financial barriers to attending college. As a result of this ruling, fears have arisen that other states may follow suit in implementing similar restrictions on educational benefits for undocumented immigrants.
Implications for Students
With the repeal of this law, many undocumented students may struggle to afford college tuition without the previously available in-state rates, potentially impacting their educational and career prospects significantly.
Future Considerations
As this legal situation develops, schools and organizations may need to reevaluate their policies and support systems for undocumented students. Advocacy efforts are likely to increase as various stakeholders push for alternatives to ensure access to education remains intact.
FAQ Section
What is the Texas Dream Act?
The Texas Dream Act is a law that allowed undocumented students who reside in Texas to qualify for in-state tuition at state universities, provided they met specific conditions.
Why is the U.S. Department of Justice suing Texas?
The DOJ is suing Texas because the Texas Dream Act was found to conflict with federal law regarding benefits for undocumented immigrants, thus violating the “supremacy clause.”
How many students are affected by this ruling?
Approximately 20,000 undocumented students will be affected by the end of the Texas Dream Act, representing 1.5% of enrollment in Texas public higher education.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Texas Dream Act | Allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition for 24 years. |
| DOJ Lawsuit | Filed to stop Texas from continuing this law; argues it violates federal law. |
| Impact on Students | Affects approximately 20,000 undocumented students in Texas. |
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Additional Resources
- AP News: Texas Dream Act Lawsuit
- New York Times: Texas Undocumented Students
- Fox 7 Austin: Texas Dream Act Update
- KVUE: University of Texas Student Reactions
- Wikipedia: Texas Dream Act
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AUSTIN STAFF WRITER The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
