In a legislative session marked by political division and increasingly polarized rhetoric, the Texas Dream Act endured. The win affirms that all Texas high school graduates—regardless of immigration status—will continue to have access to higher education.
Despite nine separate bills filed to repeal this landmark 2001 law—including HB 232 and SB 1798—not a single one passed during the 89th Texas Legislature. SB 1798 made it all the way to the Senate Intent Calendar, signaling just how close Texas came to undoing over two decades of bipartisan progress. But because of tireless efforts from business, education, community, and faith leaders across the state, the bill never made it to the floor.
This outcome is more than a policy win—it’s a reaffirmation that when Texans lead with facts, not fear—and with purpose, not politics—we build a stronger, more prosperous future.
A Policy That Works
The Texas Dream Act allows undocumented high school graduates to access in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. To qualify, students must have lived in Texas for at least three years, graduated from a Texas high school or earned a GED, and signed an affidavit declaring their intent to apply for legal residency.
It’s a pragmatic, homegrown solution that has stood the test of time. Since its passage in 2001, Texas has been a national leader on tuition equity, with 24 other states and D.C. adopting similar policies. This isn’t just good policy—it’s good economics. In 2021 alone, Texas Dream Act students–known as “affidavit students”–contributed $81.6 million in tuition and fees to Texas public institutions. Repealing the law would cost the state an estimated $461 million annually in lost economic activity.
As one former affidavit student aptly put it:
“Policies like the Texas Dream Act are more than lines of legislation. They’re lifelines. They’re blueprints for possibility. And if we’re willing to see the wholeness in something that’s been broken—just like adrienne maree brown says, maybe we can build something better, too.”
Unified Opposition From Texans Who Know What’s at Stake
When HB 232 and SB 1798 received hearings this session, business leaders responded quickly—and unequivocally. The Texas Association of Business (TAB), Greater Houston Partnership, North Texas Commission, Texas Business Leadership Council, Texans for Economic Growth, and dozens of local chambers and companies signed letters of opposition rooted in workforce and economic arguments.
Meanwhile, the public response was overwhelming: 97% of Texans who submitted comments to the House Committee on Higher Education opposed HB 232. One Dallas small business owner captured the stakes well:
“Texas’s greatest asset is its people. When we invest in those who are eager to contribute to our economy, everyone benefits.”
This coordinated engagement made the difference. Legislators across the political spectrum heard from stakeholders who don’t often weigh in on immigration debates—employers, educators, faith voices, and local community leaders. It reminded them that the Dream Act is not a partisan wedge, but a practical investment in Texas’ economic future.
Carrying the Momentum Into the Interim
As we celebrate this victory, we must also stay vigilant. While these repeal efforts failed, they made it further than in years past. And troublingly, even after House deadlines made it clear that SB 1798 was dead, two additional senators signed on as co-authors on May 26—a clear signal that this bill may be used as a campaign talking point heading into election season.
That’s disheartening. Turning a well-established, bipartisan education policy into a political wedge undermines the futures of hardworking Texas students who simply want the chance to learn, contribute, and succeed.
This isn’t just about defending policy. It’s about shaping the narrative—and ensuring the story we tell about immigrants is rooted in reality, not rhetoric.
Texas Can Lead with Purpose, Not Politics
At a time when some states are retreating from common-sense education policies—including Florida, which recently ended its in-state tuition policy for undocumented students—Texas chose a different path. Rather than follow, Texas led. Lawmakers listened, they learned, and they kept their focus where it belonged: on securing a stronger future for our state.
By keeping the Texas Dream Act intact, Texas reaffirmed its role as a national leader—committed to investing in the talent that has long fueled our economic engine. This session reminded us of what’s possible when communities come together, when business leaders speak up, and when our elected officials choose facts over fear and vision over rhetoric.
FILED UNDER: Students, Texas
