State Rep. Terri Leo Wilson has filed House Bill 160, which would disqualify illegal aliens from receiving discounted in-state tuition when attending public colleges and universities in Texas. This subject has been recurring in the legislature for the past several years, but without progress.
“Today, I am proud to announce the filing of HB 160, the first bill filed for this upcoming legislative session, to end in-state tuition for illegal immigrants,” Willson told Texas Scorecard.
“This legislation is a top priority of the Texas GOP, and it honors the message Texas voters delivered when they elected me and other like-minded conservatives to the Texas House.”
Wilson authored similar legislation in 2023. The bill never made it beyond committee.
In Texas, public colleges and universities are able to offer a reduced tuition rate to students who reside in the state because the state subsidizes the difference with taxpayer funds. This is done to encourage students to receive their secondary education within the state.
According to research conducted by the Huffines Institute, in 2001, Texas became the first state to pass legislation that allowed illegal aliens that live in Texas to receive in-state tuition. At least 24 other states have followed the example by passing similar legislation.
Currently there are over 59,000 illegal aliens enrolled in colleges and universities across the state.
“Texans have spoken clearly: they want their taxpayer dollars safeguarded for lawful citizens. I am committed to carrying out this much needed reform while working alongside my colleagues to uphold the values Texans expect,” explained Wilson.
According to their platform, the Texas Republican Party opposes illegal aliens receiving in-state tuition, and ending the magnet is a legislative priority for the party.
Bill filing began November 12 and closes March 15th.
