HOUSTON, Texas–The Texas Senate is considering Senate Bill 1798, authored by State Senator Mayes Middleton, which would require students without legal status, including DACA recipients, to pay out-of-state tuition rates at Texas colleges and universities.
The bill amends the Texas Dream Act, which currently allows these students to qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid.
Supporters of the bill argue that state resources should be allocated to legal residents, while opponents, including former Texas Representative Rick Noriega, defend the Dream Act as a means to provide opportunities for students who cannot afford college.
Critics, like Cesar Espinosa of FIEL Houston, argue that the bill would impose financial hardships on students.
The bill could increase tuition for students without legal status, with costs at institutions like Houston Community College and the University of Houston potentially rising substantially.
This legislation is part of a broader debate, as other similar bills are also being considered in Texas, such as House Bill 232 and Senate Bill 1205, which address issues related to the education of undocumented students.
