Texas Backs Trump, Blocks Tuition Break for Migrant Students SHOCKING Twist

Texas's Migrant Tuition Break Blocked: A Surprising Twist in the Lone Star State

In a surprising turn of events, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has joined forces with the U.S. Department of Justice to block a state law offering in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants. This move has sent shockwaves through Texas politics, particularly given the state's generally hardline stance on immigration.

The lawsuit, United States of America v. State of Texas, filed in the Northern District of Texas, challenges the Texas Dream Act of 2001. This act, championed by then-Governor Rick Perry, grants in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants who meet specific requirements. The fact that the lawsuit bears a title more reminiscent of legal battles during the Biden administration highlights the unexpected nature of this development.

Mr. Paxton's decision to align with the Biden administration's Justice Department, rather than defending the Texas law, is particularly striking. This action contrasts with the state legislature's recent inaction on modifying the law during the just-concluded legislative session. The Attorney General's staunch conservative stance on immigration, and his ongoing campaign against Senator John Cornyn in next year's Republican primary, provide a possible context for his decision. Mr. Paxton's aggressive pursuit of immigration enforcement has become a central theme in his campaign strategy.

In a statement released following the joint motion with the DOJ, Mr. Paxton declared, “Ending this discriminatory and un-American provision is a major victory for Texas.” This statement highlights a stark contrast with Governor Perry's previous defense of the Dream Act, where he famously stated that those opposed to it “did not have a heart.”

This unexpected legal maneuver raises several key questions:

• What motivated Mr. Paxton's decision to side with the federal government against a state law?
• What impact will this decision have on undocumented immigrants in Texas seeking higher education?
• How will this legal battle shape the ongoing political landscape in Texas, particularly in the upcoming Republican primary?

The case underscores the complex interplay between state and federal law on immigration and the often-unpredictable nature of Texas politics. The future of the Texas Dream Act, and its implications for undocumented students, remains uncertain, pending further legal proceedings.

Ultimately, this situation showcases the evolving dynamics within the Republican party regarding immigration, and the political maneuvering that often accompanies such high-profile legal battles. The coming months promise to be filled with intense debate and uncertainty as this case unfolds.

Tags: Texas lawsuit, Paxton, Trump administration, immigration, Republican primary, Biden administration, John Cornyn, immigration laws, US lawsuit, Texas politics, Texas Dream Act, Rick Perry

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/04/us/politics/texas-undocumented-students-trump.html