Dallas, Texas, September 29, 2025
News Summary
The reversal of the Texas Dream Act has resulted in significant tuition hikes for undocumented students in Texas, forcing many to reconsider their educational paths. Previously eligible for in-state tuition, students are now facing out-of-state fees, more than doubling their costs. Advocacy groups are challenging the ruling to support the estimated 73,000 affected students who find themselves in a precarious position regarding their education. The uncertainty surrounding the ruling has disrupted many academic careers.
Dallas, Texas – The recent reversal of the Texas Dream Act has left undocumented university students across Texas grappling with the burden of new out-of-state tuition costs, creating uncertainty about their educational future. Under the new ruling, students must now pay out-of-state tuition regardless of how long they have resided in Texas, significantly increasing financial challenges for many.
Previously, undocumented students who attended Texas high schools and graduated could access in-state tuition rates. However, the recent changes have effectively doubled tuition costs for some students. Sienna, a former student at UNT Dallas who has lived in Texas since infancy, recently experienced this change firsthand. After receiving notice that her residency status had changed to non-resident, Sienna found her tuition rise dramatically from $4,799 for in-state students to $10,873 for non-residents. Faced with these increased costs, she was forced to withdraw from UNT Dallas and seek alternative educational options.
The Texas Dream Act was enacted in 2001 by Republican Governor Rick Perry, allowing undocumented students to pursue higher education in the state without the financial burden of out-of-state rates. However, a ruling made by a federal judge to overturn the Act followed a lawsuit initiated by the United States Justice Department in June under President Donald Trump. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has indicated that the state will not challenge the judge’s ruling, voicing concerns that enforcing the Dream Act could compel higher education institutions to act as immigration agents.
The implications of this ruling have led to a wave of uncertainty for approximately 73,000 students across Texas who previously qualified for in-state tuition. Many students have either opted to attend community colleges or are facing delays or disruptions in their educational paths. Numerous affected students express anxiety about what the future holds for their academic careers in the wake of these financial strains.
In light of the challenges presented by the ruling, advocacy groups, such as the Texas Civil Rights Project, are pursuing legal actions aimed at reinstating the Texas Dream Act and addressing the pressing needs of impacted students. Universities and community colleges throughout Texas, including Austin Community College, are reevaluating how the ruling affects their students and are in the process of implementing support systems as they navigate the legal landscape surrounding this issue.
In addition to these developments, colleges such as the University of North Texas (UNT) are now requiring students to verify their legal status by certain deadlines if they wish to continue benefiting from lower tuition rates. The situation has led to confusion regarding residency verification among students, with fears of potential penalties for misrepresenting their status pervasive throughout the student body.
Supporters of the ruling, including Representative Mike Olcott, argue that there should be equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of their residency status in Texas. The ongoing discourse surrounding the Texas Dream Act reversal highlights the evolving sentiments regarding immigration policy and educational equity within the state.
FAQs
What is the Texas Dream Act?
The Texas Dream Act, signed into law in 2001 by Republican Governor Rick Perry, allowed students who attended three years of Texas high school and graduated to access in-state tuition, including undocumented students.
What happened after the Texas Dream Act was overturned?
The reversal of the Texas Dream Act has left undocumented university students in Texas struggling to manage new out-of-state tuition costs.
How much did Sienna’s tuition increase after the ruling?
Sienna’s in-state tuition was $4,799, but as a non-resident, it increased to $10,873, forcing her to withdraw from UNT Dallas and seek education elsewhere.
How many students in Texas were affected?
Current estimates suggest that about 73,000 students in Texas previously qualified for in-state tuition under the Dream Act.
What actions are advocacy groups taking?
The Texas Civil Rights Project and other advocacy groups are actively engaged in efforts to challenge the ruling.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Texas Dream Act | Allowed undocumented students who attended Texas high schools to access in-state tuition. |
| Tuition Increase for Sienna | Tuition rose from $4,799 to $10,873 after her residency status changed to non-resident. |
| Number of Affected Students | Approximately 73,000 students previously qualified for in-state tuition. |
| Legal Challenges | Advocacy groups like the Texas Civil Rights Project are working to challenge the ruling. |
| Impacts on Education | Students are now seeking alternatives like community colleges or facing interrupted education paths. |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Fox 4 News
- Statesman
- NBC News
- Houston Chronicle
- Wikipedia: Texas Dream Act
- Google Search: Texas Dream Act
- Google Scholar: Texas Dream Act
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Dream Act
- Google News: Texas Dream Act
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