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.