Texas Democrats Denounce Texas Dream Act Ruling

The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus and the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus have issued a joint statement condemning the repeal of the Texas Dream Act.

The Texas Dream Act, which is a two-decade-old law that allowed undocumented students to pay in-state college tuition, has been struck down following a lawsuit from the Trump administration and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). A federal judge ruled that the law is unconstitutional, permanently blocking its enforcement.

Originally signed into law in 2001 by Governor Rick Perry (R), the Texas Dream Act allowed students who lived in Texas, graduated from a Texas high school, and pledged to seek legal status to qualify for in-state tuition, regardless of immigration status.

Supporters of the bill called the law as a common-sense investment in the future workforce.

In a joint statement, the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus and the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus called the move a “betrayal of Texas students with dire economic consequences.

“The state's refusal to defend the Texas Dream Act is a cruel and calculated betrayal of the values state leaders claim to stand for: opportunity, hard work and hope for the next generation,” the statement reads.

“This isn’t about policy. It’s about punishment,” the Democratic senators added. “Students who grew up here, went to our schools and played on our teams are now being told they don't belong. All because of where they were born – a decision they should not be blamed for.”

The lawmakers noted that these students paid more than $80 million in tuition in 2021 alone. According to the statement, economic forecasts suggest Texas could lose over $460 million annually in economic activity due to the repeal, including lost wages and diminished spending power.

“Texas Senate Democrats fought to keep the promise of the Texas Dream Act alive, and we are not done,” the statement concludes. “We stand with Texas Dreamers. We'll keep fighting for their future—and for a Texas that honors hard work, not hate.”