TAKE ACTION: Sign Letter to Support In-State Tuition Access for Texas Dreamers

Authored by Chelsie Kramer of Texans for Economic Growth

Thanks in part to your leadership as Texas business leaders and members of Texans for Economic Growth, efforts to repeal the Texas Dream Act were defeated in the Legislature this spring. But just two days after session ended, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the State of Texas to invalidate the law—and within hours, the Texas Attorney General agreed to a court order declaring it unenforceable for students “not lawfully present” in the U.S. While the order doesn’t take effect until Fall 2025, the consequences are already creating confusion and fear for students and institutions alike.

We need your voice today. Business organizations and individual employers are invited to sign on to one or both of the following by the end of day today, Thursday, July 10. These resources will be finalized and disseminated to higher education leaders statewide on Friday:

Letter to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) (private letter)
A private letter to the THECB offering questions and recommendations related to the implementation of the June 4, 2025, consent judgment, which enjoined the State from providing in-state tuition to “aliens who are not lawfully present.” The letter emphasizes:

• The Dream Act still remains in effect for students who are lawfully present under federal definitions.

• Without clear guidance from the Coordinating Board, universities risk applying inconsistent standards in determining lawful presence.

• Signatories—from the business, education, legal, faith, and student communities—are committed to ensuring Texas continues to benefit from an educated population.

• The letter invites the Board to engage further and offers additional support as it develops necessary rules and guidance.

THECB is expecting this letter and has requested the list of questions and recommendations.

Resource Guide (public-facing)
A concise, legally reviewed fact sheet for students and college administrators explaining which immigrant students still qualify for in-state tuition, even with the DOJ injunction and pending lawsuits.

NOTE: Over 20 different categories of immigrant students still qualify for in-state tuition under Texas law. Given the widespread misinformation, lack of state guidance, and institutional uncertainty, this document is essential to help colleges, students, and community leaders understand the current legal landscape.

You can add your organization’s name to one or both here

Please feel free to share with business leaders in your network.
This is a critical moment for Texas students. As business leaders, your continued support sends a clear message that Texas remains a place where talent and determination—not immigration status—determine opportunity.

Please let us know by EOD today if you’d like to sign on.