AUSTIN — In a 9-to-2 vote, the Texas Senate Committee on Education voted to advance the repeal of the Texas Dream Act (SB1798). The Texas Dream Act was approved by a Republican legislature and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry and continued under Governor Greg Abbott. Since 2001, Texas has allowed immigrant students to pay the same college tuition rate as their peers. In 2021 alone, Dreamers paid $81.6 million in tuition, supporting our local economy. Dreamers make up 9% of our workforce and contributed $5.4 billion in taxes last year. The Texas Dream Act fuels our economy, generating $33 billion in earnings. Many of these students actively contribute to their local economy and communities — and research indicates that if the Texas Dream Act is repealed, Texas will lose more than $461 million annually in economic activity, including $244.4 million in lost wages and $216.9 million in diminished spending power.
ABIC Action and local leaders released the following statements in response:
“Dreamers are Texans—nurses, teachers, and engineers. They are our neighbors, our classmates, and the future of our workforce. As co-chairman of Comité100, I urge lawmakers to keep the Texas Dream Act alive. These are current Texas students who have been admitted to our universities based on their hard work and merit—not just their dreams. This policy has worked for over 20 years, helping Texas generate an additional $28.5 billion in economic activity. Repealing it would cost the state $461 million each year in lost wages and economic contributions.
Plus over 70% of Texans agree: Dreamers belong here. They are vital to our communities and to Texas’ continued prosperity,” said Massey Villarreal, Comite100 Co-Chairman
“When President Trump acknowledged the contributions of Dreamers to our country, as a Dreamer, it gave me hope. President Trump said he wanted a solution for Dreamers, and we are ready to be part of it. Nearly 750,000 children who are U.S. citizens have a Dreamer parent, and one in ten Dreamers is married to a U.S. citizen. When Dreamers have access to education, we all benefit. By supporting opportunities like in-state tuition, we’re not just empowering Dreamers; we’re strengthening the very foundation of Texas’ future,” said Emiliano Valencia, ABIC Texas Deputy Director.
“Dreamers play an integral role in our community. These individuals grew up alongside our own children, attending our schools and later contributing to our economy. Repealing in-state tuition for these Dreamers would have significant impacts — resulting in a loss of $461 million in total economic activity. President Trump has called these Dreamers ‘incredible kids’ and expressed the desire to find a solution so they can keep contributing to our country. It’s critical to support policies that not only benefit them, but the entire Lone Star State,” said Crystal Sarmiento, CEO, The ARI Source and Republican Mayor Pro-Tempore, Manvel, Texas.
“Dreamers are not asking for handouts — they are asking for the same chance to succeed as their peers. In-state tuition gives them that chance. Charging these students out-of-state rates when they’ve lived and studied in Texas for years merely punishes them for circumstances they had no control over. It also makes it harder for them to contribute to our state’s economy, workforce and future. Texas needs to be on the right side of history and preserve the Texas Dream Act,” said Blas Hermosillo, US Navy Veteran and Former Vice Chair, El Paso County Republican Party
“Dreamers embody the values that make America strong: hard work, resilience, and the drive to succeed. They are already vital to Texas’s economy, and we hope the Trump administration recognizes that policies empowering individuals like them are key to our nation’s success. Granting Dreamers access to in-state tuition is an investment in their future and a catalyst for the continued prosperity of Texas,” said Artemio Muniz, Chairman, Texas Federation of Hispanic Republicans.
“In San Antonio, Dreamers are far more than our neighbors or colleagues — they are essential to who we are as a city. We don’t just welcome them into our community; we rely on them. They are a driving force behind the sectors that sustain our local and state economy, significantly contributing to our local economy. DACA-eligible residents have a total spending power of nearly $24 billion nationwide, contributing $6.2 billion in federal taxes and $3.3 billion in state and local taxes. Policies that support Dreamers’ education can lead to higher earnings and increased tax contributions, further fueling our economy. Supporting Dreamers supports our values and economic interests and in-state tuition can give them the opportunity to continue meaningfully contributing to both,” said Jessica Palacios, Director of Government Affairs, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“Dreamers start out like many of us — as curious children, then committed students, and ultimately, many evolve into entrepreneurs who drive innovation, fuel growth, and contribute to our economy through grit and vision. In Texas alone, about 23% of Dreamers have launched businesses, creating jobs and invigorating our communities. Their stories underscore a simple truth: our policies can either unlock the full potential of our country or constrain it. Providing Dreamers with access to education and opportunity isn’t just about doing what’s right — it’s a smart, strategic investment in America’s future workforce and economic vitality,” said J.R. Gonzales – Vice Chairman, Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC).
“Dreamers are highly motivated to give back to America. In Fort Worth, Dreamers already show they want to be part of what makes America great by contributing to our local economy and communities. Denying them in-state tuition is counterproductive. We are holding back individuals who are already contributing and ready to build our economy. Supporting in-state tuition is a step to continue supporting our community’s future,” said Gilberto Atayde, Director of Economic Development, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“For three decades, the RHCA has worked to empower small and minority-owned construction businesses, advocate for workforce development, and help build a stronger Texas. Senate Bill 1798 threatens that mission by depriving Dreamers of the opportunity to pursue higher education affordably and contribute fully to our economy. We urge you to vote against this legislation and stand with Dreamers, with businesses, and with the long-term prosperity of our state,” said John Martinez, CEO of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association.