Why college could get more expensive for undocumented students in Texas
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- The Senate's K-16 committee voted 9-2 to bring Texas Senate bill 1798 to the Senate floor for a full vote.
The bill would take away undocumented students' eligibility for in-state tuition and require those who previously qualified would have to pay the difference between in and out of state tuition.
Made possible by the Texas Dream Act, students who're undocumented pay in state tuition if they've lived in the state for three years before graduating high school. They must also sign an affidavit saying they'll apply for legal status as soon as possible.
Democrat Sen. Cesar Blanco is in opposition of the bill.
“By gutting the Dream Act, the bill also guts the dreams for thousands of students who have grown up here, graduated from our schools, and contributed to our economy. Senate Bill 1789 will have devastating consequences on our students, our workforce, and our economy.”
The American Immigrat
Author of the bill Senator Mayes Middleton says this bill could benefit taxpayers.
"More than 20,000 undocumented students received in-state tuition benefits that resulted in an estimated $150 million in subsidies. These are funds that could have been used to support lawful residents. Perhaps even used to lower tuition or fees for citizens, " Middleton said in a K-16 education committee.
