Federal Appeals Court Rejects Texas Dream Act Tuition Benefits
A federal appeals court has rejected an effort to defend the Texas Dream Act, a law that allowed certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. The court ruled that federal law prohibits states from offering…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 10, 2026 —
A federal appeals court has ruled against the Texas Dream Act, a state law that previously allowed certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. The decision stems from an effort to defend the law, which has now been rejected by the appeals court.
The court’s ruling stated that federal law prohibits states from offering tuition benefits based on residency unless these benefits are available to all U.S. citizens, irrespective of their location within the country. This interpretation effectively bars the state from providing in-state tuition to undocumented students under the current framework.
Following the court’s decision, Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his approval. However, immigrant advocacy groups voiced their disappointment with the outcome, which impacts a significant group of students within the state’s higher education system.
The Texas Dream Act, enacted in 2001, allowed undocumented immigrants who had lived in Texas for at least three years and graduated from a Texas high school to qualify for in-state tuition at public universities. The law did not require federal immigration status for eligibility, focusing instead on residency within the state.
The specifics of the federal law cited by the court were not detailed in the provided summary. Similarly, the exact nature of the legal challenge that led to this appeal was not specified. The timeline for when this ruling will take full effect or what implications it may have for students currently enrolled under the act was also not provided.
Immigrant advocacy organizations have historically supported the Texas Dream Act, arguing that it provides essential educational opportunities for young people who grew up in Texas and contribute to the state’s economy. The court’s decision marks a significant setback for these efforts.
Further details regarding potential next steps in the legal process or legislative responses from the state were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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