News Summary
The repeal of the Texas DREAM Act has left tens of thousands of undocumented students facing skyrocketing tuition fees at public universities. With in-state tuition access removed, many students like Kevin Zamaripa are facing increases of $15,000 or more. As resources to assist these students dwindle, their future job prospects remain uncertain, raising concerns over Texas’s economy and the broader implications of strict immigration policies on education.
Houston, Texas — In June 2025, the Texas DREAM Act was repealed after state leaders chose not to defend the law against a federal complaint. This significant change strips tens of thousands of undocumented students of their ability to qualify for in-state tuition at public universities, forcing them to face drastically higher tuition fees. For students like Kevin Zamaripa, a 24-year-old senior at the University of Houston, this means a potential increase in tuition costs of as much as $15,000 as he nears completion of his kinesiology degree.
The repealed law, enacted in 2001, previously allowed undocumented students who graduate from Texas high schools to access in-state tuition rates, which made higher education more affordable. Now, these students are grappling with not just increased tuition but also uncertainty about their future job prospects. Many lack eligibility for work permits under DACA, further complicating their career paths after graduation.
In the wake of the repeal, resources designed to support undocumented students are dwindling. For example, the University of Texas at Austin has eliminated its Monarch Program, which provided essential assistance for these students. Legal experts point out that students eligible for DACA are still being denied in-state tuition due to the ambiguous definitions surrounding “lawful presence” set by the Higher Education Coordinating Board, which left universities to navigate this complex issue on their own.
As tuition costs rise, many students have started to rely on payment plans or are even dropping classes to cope with these financial challenges. A crowdfunding campaign initiated by student advocates managed to raise over $10,000 but has been overwhelmed by the volume of requests for assistance. College counselors note that there has been a noticeable drop in the number of undocumented students seeking help, as many face increased obstacles and concerns regarding their family’s safety amidst tightened immigration policies.
Prior to the repeal, approximately 74,000 undocumented students were enrolled in higher education in Texas, benefiting from clear pathways to affordable college education. Now, with new policies in place, many can no longer apply for financial aid through the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA), making higher education increasingly unattainable. The ongoing crackdown on immigration at the national level has exacerbated these anxieties for undocumented families, prompting some students to avoid applying to out-of-state colleges entirely.
While there have been discussions about possibly resuming new DACA applications at the national level, Texas remains excluded from this opportunity due to pending litigation against the program. This situation has led many students to reconsider their college applications since access to financial aid is becoming more challenging, and scholarship opportunities for undocumented individuals have diminished significantly.
The implications of the Texas DREAM Act’s repeal extend beyond individual students, potentially affecting the future workforce of the state. Advocates argue that the lack of access to higher education for undocumented students can negatively impact Texas’s economy as these individuals may be barred from the workforce due to their educational barriers. Furthermore, many students express concerns about their future and the implications of current immigration policies on their families.
With the overwhelming challenges they face, community support has become increasingly crucial for undocumented students seeking to navigate their education. Experts emphasize the importance of remaining connected to resources that can help these students overcome the hurdles presented by the recent law changes.
The Texas DREAM Act had initially received bipartisan support, highlighting a collective effort to improve access to higher education for students who graduate from high schools in Texas. With its repeal, a once-clear path has turned into a daunting road filled with obstacles for many aspiring scholars in the state.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Immigration and College Students
- Wikipedia: Texas DREAM Act
- Spectrum Local News: Higher Education Board Absence
- Google Search: Texas DREAM Act
- Fox 4 News: End of Texas DREAM Act
- Google Scholar: Texas DREAM Act
- Laredo Morning Times: Laredo Students and DREAM Act Repeal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas DREAM Act
- CBS News: College Tuition Reversal
- Google News: Texas DREAM Act
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
