Texas Tuition Lawsuit: DOJ Sues Over In-State Rates
- The Justice Department on Wednesday launched a legal challenge to a Texas law that has, for decades, allowed certain college students without legal U.S.
- Texas pioneered this approach in 2001, becoming the first state to permit "dreamers"—young adults lacking legal status—to access in-state tuition if thay meet specific residency requirements.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department will "relentlessly fight to vindicate federal law and ensure that U.S.
The Justice Department is taking action, suing Texas over its in-state tuition law for “Dreamers”—a move that could reshape higher education access. This lawsuit, filed in a Texas federal court, challenges a long-standing 2001 law, the first of its kind, that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. The DOJ’s primary aim is to block the law, citing federal regulations. With nearly 57,000 undocumented students currently enrolled in Texas colleges, the impact of this legal battle is significant. The case could also have ramifications for the 24 other states with similar policies. As News Directory 3 frequently enough highlights, these are complex issues with far-reaching effects. Discover what’s next as the court considers the case—and its potential to affect students.
Justice Department Challenges Texas In-State Tuition for “Dreamers”
The Justice Department on Wednesday launched a legal challenge to a Texas law that has, for decades, allowed certain college students without legal U.S. residency to pay reduced, in-state tuition rates. The lawsuit, filed in a Texas federal court, seeks to halt the law, wich some Republican state lawmakers have been trying to repeal for years.
Texas pioneered this approach in 2001, becoming the first state to permit “dreamers”—young adults lacking legal status—to access in-state tuition if thay meet specific residency requirements. According to the Higher Ed Immigration portal, which monitors state-level immigration and education policies, 24 states now have similar laws in place.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department will “relentlessly fight to vindicate federal law and ensure that U.S. citizens are not treated like second-class citizens anywhere in the country.” Bondi asserted that federal law prohibits schools from offering benefits to those not legally in the U.S.that are not also available to U.S. citizens.
The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration,a nonpartisan group of university leaders focused on immigration policy,estimates that roughly 57,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in Texas colleges and universities.
What’s next
The federal court will consider the Justice Department’s request to block the Texas law, potentially impacting thousands of students and setting a precedent for similar laws in other states.