Ever since Donald Trump took office, several sectors in the US, from education to immigration, have faced major upheavals. The Trump administration’s hardline policies—prioritizing mass deportations and rescinding the “sensitive locations” policy—have dominated headlines for weeks. This fear and uncertainty have seeped into the education sector, leaving undocumented students and those from mixed-status families caught in the crossfire.
Once considered a safe haven, schools have now become centers of anxiety. Many students live in constant fear—not just of losing their homes but also their education.
What is the Texas Dream Act?
Amidst the turmoil, one policy has emerged as a lifeline for many undocumented students—the Texas Dream Act. Passed in 2001, Texas became the first state to enact House Bill 1403, commonly known as the Texas Dream Act. This law allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, making higher education more accessible.
According to Immigration Impact, the policy has played a crucial role in enabling thousands of students to afford college. Currently, around 57,000 undocumented students are enrolled in higher education institutions across Texas. In 2021 alone, more than 20,000 students benefited from the Texas Dream Act.
What is the Dream Act?
The DREAM Act—which stands for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors—has long been a focal point in US immigration debates. First introduced in 2001, the bill aimed to provide a pathway to legal status for undocumented individuals who arrived in the US as children.
Over the past two decades, at least 20 versions of the DREAM Act have been introduced in Congress, each with variations but sharing the common goal of offering legal protections to young undocumented immigrants—often referred to as “Dreamers”.
According to the American Immigration Council, while no federal version of the DREAM Act has been passed into law, state-level policies like the Texas Dream Act continue to provide critical educational opportunities for undocumented students.
What If the Texas Dream Act Is Repealed?
With ongoing policy shifts in education and immigration, a pressing question arises: What happens if the Texas Dream Act is repealed?
According to Immigration Impact, repealing the act could deal a severe blow to both students and the state’s economy. Texas stands to lose over $461 million annually in economic activity, including $244.4 million in lost wages and $216.9 million in diminished spending power.
Beyond economic consequences, the repeal would disrupt the education of thousands of undocumented students who rely on in-state tuition benefits to afford college. Many would be forced to drop out, significantly reducing enrollment in higher education institutions across Texas. This could negatively impact universities that depend on tuition revenue, leading to funding shortages and fewer opportunities for all students.
Moreover, stripping educational access from undocumented students could worsen workforce shortages, particularly in industries where skilled graduates are in high demand. The Texas Dream Act has long been a pathway to upward mobility—its repeal would not only shatter dreams but also undermine Texas’ economic and educational future.
