Survey Reveals Shift in Investment Priorities Among International Education Leaders

Texas Dream Act Provides Lifeline for Undocumented Students in Higher Education

Under Donald Trump's presidency, various sectors in the United States, including education and immigration, have experienced significant disruptions. The Trump administration's stringent policies, particularly those emphasising mass deportations and the rescinding of the "sensitive locations" policy have garnered extensive media coverage. Consequently, reports indicate that this climate of fear and uncertainty has profoundly impacted the education sector, rendering undocumented students and those from mixed-status families increasingly vulnerable. As a result, schools, once regarded as safe havens, have now become sources of anxiety, causing many students to live in constant fear, not only of losing their homes but also their access to education.

Amid this turmoil, the Texas Dream Act passed in 2001 as House Bill 1403, allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, thereby making higher education more accessible. According to Immigration Impact, this policy has helped thousands of students afford college. Currently, approximately 57,000 undocumented students are enrolled in Texas higher education institutions, with over 20,000 benefiting from the Texas Dream Act in 2021 alone.

Moreover, the DREAM Act, introduced in 2001, aims to provide legal status to undocumented individuals who arrived in the US as children. Over the past two decades, at least 20 versions of the bill have been presented in Congress, all seeking to offer legal protections to young undocumented immigrants, known as "Dreamers." Although no federal version of the DREAM Act has been passed, state-level policies like the Texas Dream Act continue to provide essential educational opportunities for undocumented students, as noted by the American Immigration Council.

If the Texas Dream Act were repealed, Texas could lose over $461 million annually in economic activity, including $244.4 million in lost wages and $216.9 million in reduced spending power, according to Immigration Impact. Beyond the economic impact, the repeal would disrupt the education of thousands of undocumented students who depend on in-state tuition, likely forcing many to drop out. Consequently, this could reduce enrollment in Texas universities, leading to funding shortages and fewer opportunities for all students. Furthermore, repealing the Texas Dream Act could exacerbate workforce shortages in high-demand industries and hinder upward mobility for many individuals. Its repeal would not only crush dreams but also harm Texas' economic and educational future. The Texas Dream Act plays a crucial role in supporting undocumented students and ensuring the stability of Texas' economy and education system.

Editor's Note:

The Texas Dream Act is a vital support for thousands of undocumented students in Texas, offering them a chance to access higher education. Its impact goes beyond helping individuals, and also benefiting the state's economy and workforce. Repealing this law would be a short-sighted and unfair decision. Education should be a right, not a privilege for a select few. Many undocumented students have lived in the U.S. their entire lives and deserve the same opportunities as others to follow their dreams and contribute to society. Removing in-state tuition would force many students to give up their education, leading to fewer university enrollments, funding issues, and a weaker economy. These students are more than just numbers, they have dreams and the potential to make a difference. Repealing the Texas Dream Act would destroy their dreams and also go against the values of opportunity and equality. 

According to Skoobuzz, the Texas Dream Act is a symbol of commitment to education and inclusion, this opportunity must remain available for everyone.