Opposition mounts against TX HB 232 and SB 1798 Repeal of In-State Tuition for Undocumented Texans

Texas House Bill 232 (HB 232) and Senate Bill 1798 (SB 1798) seek to repeal the long-standing Texas Dream Act that allows unauthorized immigrant students who meet standard requirements for in-state tuition to qualify for in-state tuition rates at institutions of higher education. These bills have sparked considerable public debate and opposition from business leaders and individuals across the state.

Public testimonies highlight the economic benefits of the Texas Dream Act, noting that its repeal could lead to significant financial losses for the state. Opponents of HB 232 and SB 1798 argue that in-state tuition has enabled undocumented students to contribute substantially to the state's economy through higher earnings and increased spending power.​

Overwhelming public opposition to HB 232 and SB 1798 underscores the bills’ potential to negatively impact both individuals and the broader Texas economy. By removing in-state tuition eligibility for unauthorized immigrant students, the state risks hindering educational attainment and economic contributions from a significant segment of its population. The voices of students, educators, business owners, and community members collectively advocate for the preservation of the Texas Dream Act and the opportunities it affords.

Texas Businesses against SB 1798

Numerous organizations that represent Texas businesses, including the Texas Association of Business (the state chamber of commerce), and the chambers of several cities, signed on to a recent letter to members of the Senate Committee on Education in opposition of SB 1798.

“Higher graduation rates for high school and college students benefit Texas families, communities, and our economy. College graduates contribute millions to our state economy annually, filling critical roles in industries like healthcare, education, and technology. Research shows that repealing in-state tuition would have severe economic consequences, with Texas losing $461 million annually in economic activity, including $244.4 million in lost wages and $216.9 million in diminished spending power. Such outcomes would negatively impact businesses, communities across the state, and the overall Texas economy,” they said.

Overwhelming Public Opposition

A review of public comments submitted to the Texas House Committee on Higher Education reveals over 97% of Texans who commented on HB 232 oppose it. Out of the 34 pages of comments compiled, the vast majority express concerns about the bill's potential impact on students and the state's economy.​ Below are some examples.

Opponents of HB 232 come from diverse backgrounds, including students, educators, business owners, and community leaders. Their testimonies highlight the bill's potential to hinder educational opportunities and economic growth.​

“Simply put, the Texas Dream Act has worked—and it has worked without documented issues. There is no compelling reason to dramatically alter a law that has produced two decades of positive results for our workforce, our businesses, and our economy. Proposals to add age restrictions, increase barriers, or introduce punitive measures would create uncertainty, deter future economic contributors, and impose administrative burdens on schools and businesses. We believe Texas must continue to lead by example—championing policies that enhance our competitiveness, not diminish it,” said Christin Lavery, Leatherface Tree Service LLC, Garland, TX

“To Whom it May Concern: As a business owner in Texas who works with companies that rely on the availability of an educated, skilled workforce, I have seen first hand that Texas companies have a shortage of educated professionals and skilled crafts people in our state. If we have young immigrants who grew up in our Texas communities who are looking to better themselves through education and who have already been educated through the high school level, why would we make it harder for them access the opportunity to continue their learning and development in Texas colleges and institutions of higher education? It just doesn't make business or economic sense. We should give immigrants with merit the same opportunity as other Texans to educate themselves and make meaningful contributions to our businesses and society. Therefore I am opposed to HB 232,” said John Stautner, ETSZONE, The Woodlands, TX

“Education is the path to success. All children, youth, and young adults in the state of Texas should have access to public education. Limiting access to education based on legal residency punishes young adults who are trying to be contributing members of society. This legislation does not make us safer it only limits opportunity. Please vote against this legislation and/or withdraw it from consideration,” said Timothy Kethley of Lake Jackson, TX.

“I oppose HB232. I am aware that we are targeting immigrants right now. However, This law was signed by Rick Perry in 2001 and required children to go to high school here in Texas to get in state tuition to college. One person's college education benefits everyone in society. It is inhumane to take this away,” said Jennifer Larrew of Lakeway, TX

“Several of my clients who were educated in Texas thanks to the Dream Act have worked right here in this building as legislative staff, contributing their talents, insights, and hard work to the very institution where we gather today to debate stripping away that ability from future students. They are now legal permanent residents, Citizens, and some, unfortunately, are still stuck renewing their DACA every two years because the federal government has failed to fix our broken immigration system for decades. You've heard testimony from valedictorians, doctors, teachers, and researchers who benefited from the Texas Dream Act. Shouldn't our highly coveted university seats go to the most meritorious applicants?” said Krystal Gomez AILA Texas and Texas Immigration Law Council, Immigration Attorney, Austin, TX.

“At a time when Texas is already suffering a brain drain, bills like this will only make things worse. It will discourage talented young people from staying in Texas because they will not be able to afford an education. The bill will ruin lots of lives and it will cost a lot of future talent. Instead of solely focusing on educating young minds, this bill will force our higher learning institutions to worry about the immigration status of their students. I don’t think educators in our state signed up to be immigration agents when they chose their profession. I want to remind this committee that the Texas Dream Act was signed into law by then Governor Rick Perry in 2001. That was a time when Texas conservatives used to understand the value of immigrants and used to call themselves compassionate conservatives. It makes me wonder what you call yourselves now. Please oppose this bill,” said Susana Carranza, Dr., retired engineer, Austin, TX.

“The Dream Act passed the Texas house 142-1 and 27-3 in the Senate. It was nearly consensus 24 years ago. Back then, basically everyone acknowledged that our economy is stronger because of immigration. We are currently experiencing a brain drain of highly educated doctors, scientists, engineers - people on work visas are leaving the United States already and we are going to fall behind other major world powers because we are passing legislation like this, that disincentivizes highly educated people from getting their education here and staying here to work,” said Sophia Mirto of Austin, TX.

“Please oppose this bill. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry supported the original Texas Dream bill from 2001 because he supported allowing undocumented students who completed high school in Texas in-state college tuition. He did this with the understanding that having higher-educated folks in our state is beneficial to everyone. Please oppose this bill which would take away this benefit,” said Calista Herbert of Houston, TX.