Texas Directs Universities To Identify Undocumented Students For Tuition Reclassification

Texas public colleges and universities have been directed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to identify undocumented students and begin charging them out-of-state tuition starting in the fall semester of 2025, following a recent federal court ruling. This ruling struck down the Texas Dream Act, a 2001 state law that allowed certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they met residency and affidavit requirements. However, there is significant uncertainty and lack of clear guidance on how institutions can identify undocumented students, as students are not required to disclose citizenship status or Social Security numbers during enrollment. Several universities have indicated they do not collect immigration information, complicating enforcement of the new policy. The abrupt policy change has prompted legal challenges from community college boards and advocacy groups, who argue the decision was made without sufficient public input or proper legal process. Advocates warn that the lack of clarity and resources places an unfair burden on institutions and students, potentially jeopardizing access to affordable higher education for undocumented residents.