Austin, TX, September 24, 2025
News Summary
A recent Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board hearing faced criticism for its low turnout as it addressed a proposal redefining ‘lawfully present’ students. Amidst concerns over rising tuition costs for undocumented students, the U.S. Justice Department’s legal actions against the state loom large. The reversal of the Texas Dream Act has forced many students to pay significantly higher out-of-state tuition, raising alarm among advocates. The proposal’s vagueness adds to student confusion regarding residency definitions, leaving thousands in uncertainty about their academic futures.
Austin, Texas – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently held a hearing to discuss a proposal that aims to redefine “lawfully present” students, amidst growing concerns regarding the rising costs of tuition for undocumented students. The meeting was sparsely attended, featuring only a court reporter and a handful of staff members, leading to criticisms about the lack of public engagement in such an important issue.
The U.S. Justice Department has taken legal action against Texas, claiming that the state’s Dream Act, which allowed undocumented high school graduates to access in-state tuition, provided unlawful benefits to students without legal residency. This led to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton agreeing to repeal the Dream Act as part of a legal settlement with the Justice Department.
Barbara Hines, founder of the Immigration Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law, expressed her dismay with the hearing’s unproductive nature, especially given the significance of the proposed changes. The lack of a consistent definition of “lawfully present” across different schools has resulted in increased tuition costs, impacting students’ financial ability to pursue their education.
Currently, undocumented students in Texas face a striking disparity in tuition rates. For example, there exists a tuition price difference of at least $8,000 between in-state and out-of-state tuition at the state’s largest public universities. With approximately 57,000 undocumented students enrolled in Texas public universities, this change represents a significant financial burden.
Many students who previously qualified for in-state tuition are now at a disadvantage due to the absence of a clear definition from the Coordinating Board. The described hearing, which aimed to gather public feedback before adopting new rules, has been criticized for its lack of outreach and transparency.
Julieta Garibay from the Intercultural Development Research Association voiced concerns that the new regulations will harm students’ futures. The Texas Dream Act, established in 2001, enabled undocumented students graduating from Texas high schools to pay in-state tuition. However, with recent rulings from federal judges that have led to the dismantling of the Dream Act, groups advocating for these students have pursued legal action to preserve their access to affordable education.
Notably, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) has lodged an appeal against the ruling, arguing that it undermines a long-standing law and negatively impacts the educational access for students. Students have reported confusion regarding residency definitions, which has further complicated their eligibility for in-state tuition. The effective reversal of the Dream Act forces many undocumented students to pay out-of-state tuition, dramatically increasing their educational expenses.
For instance, one student named Sienna recounted her experience of leaving university as her tuition fees escalated from $4,799 to over $10,000 due to changes in her residency status. Critics of this policy change argue that it unfairly penalizes students who have lived in Texas their entire lives. However, in support of the reversal, Republican Rep. Mike Olcott argued that it levels the playing field for citizens from outside Texas.
As the situation continues to develop, stakeholders await further action from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding the proposed definition of “lawfully present” students and its implications for thousands of undocumented students across the state.
FAQ Section
What was the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s recent hearing about?
The hearing aimed to discuss a proposal defining “lawfully present” students, following the reversal of the Texas Dream Act which severely affects undocumented students in terms of tuition costs.
What impact did the reversal of the Dream Act have on undocumented students?
The reversal effectively forces undocumented students to pay out-of-state tuition, significantly increasing their education costs, with some facing a tuition increase from about $4,799 to over $10,000.
How many undocumented students are currently enrolled in Texas public universities?
There are approximately 57,000 undocumented students enrolled in Texas public universities.
Key Features of the Texas Dream Act Reversal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Hearing Attendance | Only a court reporter and a few staff members attended, with no board members present. |
| Impact on Tuition | Minimum of $8000 tuition gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition for public universities. |
| Number of Affected Students | Approximately 57,000 undocumented students in Texas public universities. |
| Rate Increase Examples | Tuition fees increased from $4,799 to over $10,000 for some students. |
| Legal Action | The U.S. Justice Department sued Texas over the Dream Act. |
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Additional Resources
- Denton Record Chronicle: UNT Tells Texas Dream Act Students About Tuition Changes
- Wikipedia: Dream Act
- Spectrum News: Texas Higher Education Board Absent from Hearing
- Google Search: Texas Dream Act
- Houston Chronicle: Texas Dream Act Tuition Appeal
- Google Scholar: Texas Dream Act
- CBS News: College Student Tuition Reversal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Dream Act
- Fox 4 News: End of Texas Dream Act Means Higher Tuition
- Google News: Texas Dream Act
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