A New Blow to Texas's Economy? Ending In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students Sparks Debate
Texas entities advocate for tuition reinstatement within state boundaries based on economic reasoning
The Lone Star State has seen some tension lately, with discussions of in-state tuition for students without legal status. This time, Texas has decided to sever ties with a policy dating back decades, a move that's causing quite the stir.
Last week, Texas made an unexpected move, agreeing with federal officials to scrap a long-standing policy. Critics argue this could prove detrimental for the state's economy.
Christ Wallace, president and CEO of the nonpartisan North Texas Commission, expressed his disapproval, calling the 2001 Texas DREAM Act "effective" and "visionary." Eligible students, Wallace pointed out, must reside in the state for at least three years before graduating high school and a year before starting college. He views the DREAM Act as a "jobs bill" for these young Texans.
In a virtual press conference hosted by Children at Risk, Wallace stressed the law's merits, explaining that it had survived numerous challenges over the years, including during the most recent session.
Data from the American Immigration Council suggests reinstating in-state tuition for undocumented students could save Texas over $460 million annually in lost wages and spending power. This year, more than 19,000 students have signed an affidavit required under the DREAM Act, stating they will apply to become legal permanent residents as soon as they can.
Former Texas DREAMER Ari Pacheco appreciated the old policy during a recent news conference. She attended Texas A&M under the old policy and later Harvard, where she recently graduated. With the change in Texas law, Pacheco emphasized the importance of families and students dreaming of higher education, despite lacking documentation. She remains without legal status.
"If Texas is no longer a safe space for students, Pacheco added, "there are things like master's and doctorate programs, and they can pursue them where law is protective of them... beyond Texas."
Bill Zeeble serves as KERA's education reporter. Have a hot tip? Send it along to [email protected]. Follow him at @bzeeble.
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- A decision concerning education-and-self-development, the Texas DREAM Act, could have significant impacts on the state's economy and politics, as it provides in-state tuition for undocumented students and has been deemed effective in fostering their self-development and contributing to the workforce.
- The latest policy debate in Texas revolves around education and its effects on the state's economy and judicial landscape, with proponents arguing the reversal of in-state tuition for undocumented students might lead to a potential loss of over $460 million annually in wages and spending power, as shown in data from the American Immigration Council.
- The cancellation of a long-standing policy regarding education, the Texas DREAM Act, has raised concerns regarding policy-and-legislation and its impact on general-news, particularly with critics asserting the move could have adverse effects on the state's economy and increase tension within its population.
