Texas Orders Public Universities to Identify Undocumented Students

• Texas Revokes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
• Texas ends educational benefits from the Dream Act
• 73,000 students affected by the change in Texas

The state of Texas has instructed its public universities to identify undocumented students who are currently benefiting from in-state tuition rates.

The goal is to reclassify them as non-residents and charge them full tuition starting in the fall 2025 semester.

The measure follows a recent court ruling that struck down a state law in effect since 2001, known as the “Texas Dream Act.”

Wynn Rosser, Texas Commissioner of Higher Education, announced the decision in a letter to universities, stating that students without legal status must be charged non-resident tuition beginning in the next academic cycle.

Texas Revokes In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students

Texas asks universities to charge higher tuition to undocumented students https://t.co/L7vOy7HLGY

— Noticias23DFW (@Univision23DFW) June 25, 2025

Since 2001, undocumented youth living in Texas and graduating from Texas high schools had been eligible to pay the same tuition as legal residents.

This nationally pioneering policy allowed them to pursue degrees at public institutions without facing the much higher out-of-state fees.

However, a federal judge ruled against the provision after a lawsuit led by the Department of Justice, which argued that the law constituted “unconstitutional discrimination” against U.S. citizens in favor of foreign nationals.

So reports EFE.

Who Is Affected?

#Texas | Universities ordered to identify students living in the country illegally ???https://t.co/cbPZyiIUwk

— El Mañana de Reynosa (@elmananarey) June 24, 2025

According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, approximately 73,000 students will be impacted by this new directive in Texas.

That figure represents nearly one-fifth of all undocumented students enrolled in U.S. public universities.

Many of these young people have lived in Texas for years and are deeply connected to their local communities. They will now face significantly higher financial barriers to continue their education.

This was also reported by EFE.

Criticism and Consequences

Texas decision to revoke in-state tuition for undocumented students has sparked concern among immigrant rights advocates.

They warn that the move will jeopardize the academic and professional future of thousands of young people raised in Texas.

They also warn of a potential rise in school dropout rates and the loss of local talent.

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