Key Takeaways
• Senate Bill 1798 ends in-state tuition for 59,000+ undocumented Texas college students starting September 2025.
• Texas GOP mandates E-Verify for employers and restricts financial aid, rising tuition for undocumented students.
• New education laws include private school vouchers, DEI bans, curriculum control, and tuition freeze extension.
The Texas GOP’s Legislative Push: Immigration and Education Policy Changes in 2025
In the closing weeks of the 2025 legislative session, the Texas GOP achieved major wins on immigration enforcement and education policy. These actions, led by Republican lawmakers and supported by Governor Greg Abbott, are set to change the lives of thousands of Texas residents, especially undocumented students and their families. The most notable move is the advancement of Senate Bill 1798, which targets in-state tuition for undocumented students. Alongside this, new laws on school funding, curriculum control, and border enforcement reflect the Texas GOP’s long-standing priorities.
This article explains what these changes mean, who will be affected, and how the new laws will shape Texas’s future. We’ll break down the details of Senate Bill 1798, explore the broader immigration and education reforms, and discuss the practical impact on students, families, and schools.
Senate Bill 1798: Ending In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
For over 20 years, Texas allowed undocumented students who grew up in the state to pay in-state tuition at public universities. This policy, often called the “Texas Dream Act,” helped thousands of young people afford college. Now, the Texas GOP is moving to end this benefit through Senate Bill 1798.
What Does Senate Bill 1798 Do?
Senate Bill 1798, introduced by State Senator Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), would:
- Remove in-state tuition for undocumented students: Students without legal immigration status would have to pay much higher out-of-state tuition rates.
- Ban state financial aid for undocumented students: Universities could not use state funds to help these students pay for college.
- Require reporting of suspected misrepresentation: Schools would have to report students they believe lied about their immigration status to the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
- Allow universities to withhold diplomas: If a student does not pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition within 30 days of being notified, the school can hold their diploma.
- Tie state funding to compliance: Universities must follow these rules to keep receiving state money.
The bill passed the Senate Education Committee on May 14, 2025, and was added to the intent calendar two days later. As of late May, it was still waiting for a full Senate vote, but supporters were pushing hard to get it passed before the session ended.
Who Will Be Affected?
More than 59,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in Texas colleges and universities. If Senate Bill 1798 becomes law, these students will face much higher costs and could lose access to financial aid. Many may be forced to drop out or give up on their college dreams.
Senator Middleton argues that taxpayers are subsidizing higher education for people in the country illegally, costing the state about $150 million for the 2024-2025 academic year. Supporters of the bill say it’s about fairness and protecting state resources. Critics argue it punishes young people who have lived in Texas most of their lives and want to contribute to society.
Public Opinion on In-State Tuition
A recent survey by the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston found that 56% of Texans support repealing the 2001 law that gave undocumented students in-state tuition, while 44% oppose such a change. This split shows how divisive the issue remains across the state.
Texas GOP’s Broader Immigration Enforcement Agenda
The push to end in-state tuition for undocumented students is just one part of the Texas GOP’s larger immigration plan. The party’s platform for the 89th Legislative Session includes several tough measures aimed at reducing illegal immigration and tightening border security.
Key Priorities Include:
- Creating a Texas Department of Homeland Security: This new agency would focus on stopping illegal entry and human trafficking.
- Banning assistance for illegal entry: Individuals, companies, non-profits, governments, and even social media platforms would be barred from helping people enter Texas illegally.
- Requiring E-Verify for all employers: Every Texas employer would have to use E-Verify, a federal system that checks if workers are legally allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸. Employers who break this rule would face heavy penalties.
- Ending subsidies and public services for undocumented immigrants: This includes not only in-state tuition but also enrollment in public schools, except for emergency medical care.
Another bill, Senate Bill 825, would require an annual study on the economic, environmental, and financial impact of illegal immigration in Texas. This study could influence future policy decisions and funding.
For more information about E-Verify and employer requirements, readers can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services E-Verify page.
Education Policy Changes: Vouchers, DEI Restrictions, and Curriculum Control
While immigration policy has grabbed headlines, the Texas GOP also made sweeping changes to education. These new laws affect how schools are funded, what they can teach, and how they handle diversity and inclusion.
Private School Vouchers
Senate Bill 2, a top priority for Governor Abbott, creates one of the largest private school voucher programs in the country. Families can now use taxpayer money to pay for private school tuition. The bill passed with time to spare in the session and was quickly signed into law.
Supporters say vouchers give parents more choices and help students escape failing public schools. Critics worry that public schools will lose funding and that the program will mostly benefit wealthier families.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Restrictions
Senate Bill 12, led by Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), bans school districts from considering race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation in hiring and training. The law also:
- Lets parents file complaints if they think a school is breaking the DEI ban
- Allows appeals to the Texas education commissioner if parents are unhappy with the school’s response
- Requires parents to opt in before their children can take sex education classes
- Bans schools from sponsoring student clubs based on sexual orientation or gender identity
- Requires written parental consent for joining any extracurricular club
These rules aim to give parents more control but have sparked debate about inclusion and student rights.
Higher Education Curriculum Control
A new law gives more power to university governing boards, which are appointed by the governor. These boards can now:
- Review and change general education requirements
- Make sure courses prepare students for civic and professional life
- Overrule faculty councils and academic administrators
- Investigate complaints, including those about DEI violations, through a new state ombudsman’s office
Republican Representative Matt Shaheen, who helped sponsor the bill, said the goal is to make college degrees more consistent and focused on real-world skills.
Tuition Freeze Extension: Keeping College Affordable
In November 2024, Governor Abbott asked public university leaders to keep tuition rates frozen. The original freeze started in 2023, backed by about $700 million in extra state funding, and was supposed to last through the 2024-2025 school year. Abbott now wants to extend the freeze through the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years.
This move is meant to help students and families afford college, especially as other costs rise. The tuition freeze is part of a larger push to make higher education more accessible in Texas.
Funding Initiatives for Texas Schools
The Texas Legislature also approved new funding programs to reward schools and teachers for strong performance.
Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Program
Since the 2019-20 school year, the TIA program has given over $575 million to 597 school districts. The program rewards top teachers with extra pay and recognition. Schools can also skip certain state instruction requirements if a student is assigned to a TIA-certified teacher the next year.
College, Career, or Military Readiness (CCMR) Outcomes Bonus
This program gives money to districts that help students get ready for life after high school. Recent changes raised the bar for schools to earn an “A” grade, making the bonus even more important for districts trying to meet state standards.
Implementation Timeline and What’s Next
Most of the new laws passed in this session will take effect in September 2025, just as the new academic year begins. This timing gives schools, universities, and families a few months to prepare for the changes.
The Texas GOP’s legislative victories are likely to have a lasting impact. Supporters believe these laws will protect state resources, improve education, and strengthen border security. Opponents warn that some students and families will face new barriers and that public schools could lose funding and diversity.
Implications for Stakeholders
Undocumented Students and Families
The biggest impact will be felt by undocumented students who have called Texas home for most of their lives. Losing in-state tuition and financial aid could make college out of reach for many. Some may have to drop out, while others might look for private scholarships or work longer hours to pay higher tuition.
Educational Institutions
Colleges and universities will need to change their admissions and financial aid policies. They will also have to track and report students’ immigration status more closely, which could create new administrative challenges. Schools that don’t follow the new rules risk losing state funding.
Employers
If the E-Verify requirement becomes law, all Texas employers will have to check the work eligibility of every new hire. This could mean more paperwork and possible penalties for mistakes.
Teachers and School Districts
Teachers who earn TIA certification can expect higher pay and recognition. School districts will need to focus even more on preparing students for college, careers, or the military to earn CCMR bonuses.
Parents and Students
Parents will have more say in what their children learn and which clubs they can join. However, some worry that the new DEI restrictions could make schools less welcoming for students from different backgrounds.
Background: The Texas Dream Act and Its Legacy
The 2001 Texas Dream Act made Texas the first state to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students who graduated from Texas high schools and lived in the state for at least three years. The law was seen as a way to help young people who grew up in Texas but lacked legal status. Over the years, it became a model for other states and a symbol of Texas’s unique approach to immigration.
Now, with Senate Bill 1798, the Texas GOP is moving to end this policy. Supporters say the change is needed to protect taxpayers and discourage illegal immigration. Opponents argue it will hurt students who have already overcome many obstacles.
Looking Ahead
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Texas GOP’s legislative victories mark a turning point in the state’s approach to immigration and education. The new laws reflect a clear shift toward stricter enforcement and more control over public resources. Whether these changes will achieve their goals or create new challenges remains to be seen.
For those affected, it’s important to stay informed and seek help if needed. Students and families can find more information about tuition policies and financial aid on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s website.
What Should You Do Next?
- Undocumented students: Talk to your school’s admissions or financial aid office as soon as possible to understand how the new laws might affect you.
- Parents: Stay involved in your child’s education and ask questions about new policies, especially regarding curriculum and extracurricular activities.
- Employers: Prepare for possible changes to hiring rules and make sure you understand E-Verify requirements.
- Educators: Review new state guidelines and look for opportunities to earn TIA certification or help your school qualify for CCMR bonuses.
The coming months will bring more details and guidance as Texas prepares to implement these sweeping changes. By staying informed and proactive, students, families, and schools can better handle the new landscape shaped by the Texas GOP’s legislative agenda.
Learn Today
Senate Bill 1798 → A Texas bill ending in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented college students.
In-State Tuition → Lower university tuition rates charged to residents or qualified students in a state.
E-Verify → Federal system that employers use to confirm workers’ legal right to work in the U.S.
Texas Dream Act → 2001 Texas law allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they qualify.
Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) → A Texas program providing extra pay to top-performing teachers to improve education quality.
This Article in a Nutshell
Texas GOP’s 2025 session targets immigration and education reforms, ending in-state tuition for undocumented students and expanding private school vouchers. New laws require E-Verify, restrict school DEI policies, and extend tuition freezes. These changes affect thousands, reshaping university funding and education access across the state.
— By VisaVerge.com
