The American Council of Immigration does not approve or oppose candidates for elected offices. We aim to provide an analysis of the impact of elections on the US immigration system.
In 2001, Texas set a precedent by enacting House Bill 1403, commonly known as the Texas Dream Act. This groundbreaking law (the country’s first law) allows countless students to pursue higher education, making a significant contribution to the state’s economy and cultural fabric. Over the past 20 years, 25 states have followed Texas examples, recognizing the economic and social benefits of expanding access to higher education.
However, Texas-HB 160, HB 232, HB 424, HB 978, HB 979, HB 1324, HB 1815, HB 2535, SB 1798, SB 1205- and similar laws in Florida, and so on, the need to strengthen the abolition of Florida, and recent developments such as the 10 bills introduced in HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324, HB 1324.
Pillars of educational opportunities
Under the Texas Dream Act, undocumented students who graduate from Texas High School, graduate from state residence for at least three years, and meet certain criteria, such as an affidavit of their intention to apply for permanent residency, can qualify for in-state tuition fees.
This policy has helped to ensure higher education can be achieved for many students who might otherwise not be able to afford it. Out-of-state tuition fees are typically three times the in-state fees, presenting important financial barriers. As of the latest data, approximately 57,000 undocumented students are enrolled in Texas institutions of higher education. In 2021, a total of 20,137 students, representing just 1.5% of all university and university admissions in the state, were using the Texas Dream Act to pursue education and preparing to become essential contributors to the Texas workforce.
Economic consequences of abolishment
Eliminating access to in-state classes for undocumented students will have serious financial consequences. According to a council investigation, if the Texas Dream Act is repealed, Texas would lose more than $461 million a year to economic activity. These outcomes not only hurt students affected, but also negatively affect higher education institutions, businesses and communities across the state. Ensuring access to higher education is more than profiting individuals, enhancing Texas’ workforce, tax base, and overall economic competitiveness.
Economic and social contributions
Undocumented students bring significant financial benefits to Texas. In the 2021 academic year alone, these students paid $81.6 million in tuition and handling fees, directly supporting state educational institutions. Beyond tuition fees in 2023, Texas undocumented immigrants contributed $5.4 billion in state and local taxes, accounting for 9% of the state’s workforce and highlighting their role as active participants in the state’s economy.
Furthermore, the survey shows that in-state teaching policies have led to significant economic benefits, increasing the revenue potential for these students by more than 57%. According to a council study, beneficiaries of the Texas Dream Act have earned $33 billion more without a university degree, and more than $28.5 billion in additional economic activity in Texas.
Essentials to protect the Texas Dream Act
Despite years of success, the Texas Dream Act has faced multiple attempts to abolish its inception. The sustainability of these challenges for teaching within the state, as well as the recent repeal in states like Florida, shows that the future of this law is not for granted. Supporters must emphasize and actively maintain the interests of the law and mobilize support in order to counter potential threats.
Opponents argue that the policy does not have an enforcement mechanism to ensure students pursue legal status, but this criticism fails to acknowledge the broader economic and educational benefits of the law. Business leaders, including statewide organizations, have long expressed support in maintaining tuition access within the state.
In 2019, Texans for Economic Growth, a business coalition housed by the U.S. Immigration Council, introduced the Texas Compact on Immigration, highlighting support for in-state tuition fees. Compact asserts: “Texas has a long and proud tradition of embracing immigrants and leading the country with a bipartisan, common sense immigration policy. We will continue to provide in-state tuition fees to state leaders to protect tuition equity, seek higher education, and to all Texas High School graduates who want to contribute talent to a vibrant economy.”
The coalition, first launched with 50 members, has expanded to over 160 business leaders and organizations, recognizing immigration as essential to Texas’ continued success.
The road ahead
By protecting this commitment, Texas policymakers not only respect the aspirations of countless students, but also ensure Texas’ continued economic and social vitality.
Texas has long been a policy leader that strengthens economic growth and workforce development. By storing tuition access within the state, Texas remains an attractive place to live, work and do business. The path to advance is clear. Protecting educational opportunities for all Texas students is not just a moral obligation, it is an economic need.
Submitted below: Education
