Texas Ends In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants on June 5

Texas just made a move that's got people talking. On June 5, 2025, the state pulled the plug on in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, ending a policy that's been draining American taxpayers since 2001. This decision, driven by a Department of Justice lawsuit and backed by Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Trump administration, marks a turning point. It's about putting American students and families at the front of the line, where they belong.

For over two decades, Texas has given illegal immigrants the same tuition discounts as in-state U.S. citizens, while American students from neighboring states paid sky-high rates. A hardworking kid from Arkansas, juggling jobs to afford college, might discover that someone who entered the country illegally gets a cheaper deal. That stings. The DOJ's lawsuit laid bare this injustice, arguing that Texas's 2001 Dream Act unfairly favored illegal immigrants and encouraged more illegal crossings.

President Trump's executive orders, rolled out in January 2025, lit the fuse for this change. His orders demanded an end to benefits for those who break our immigration laws. Texas's response, scrapping this flawed policy, shows a commitment to fairness and accountability. It's a win for taxpayers and students who've been asking one simple question: why aren't we prioritizing Americans first?

The decision reflects a focus on clarity, not cruelty. The United States has every right to reward those who respect its laws. Texas's decision reflects a growing demand for policies that honor that principle, and it's resonating with Americans fed up with seeing their resources handed out to lawbreakers.

The numbers tell a stark story. Texas's 2001 Dream Act let about 19,000 illegal immigrants pay in-state tuition, saving them thousands each year while out-of-state American students faced rates up to three times higher. That's money straight out of taxpayers' pockets, subsidizing those who bypassed our laws. On June 5, 2025, District Judge Reed O'Connor's ruling shut down this policy, ensuring that starting July 1, these students will pay out-of-state rates, restoring balance to the system.

Across the country, 24 states and Washington, D.C., still offer similar tuition breaks, affecting roughly 427,000 illegal immigrants. Supporters of these policies argue they increase enrollment and state revenue, but that misses the point. Every dollar spent on illegal immigrants could be better used for American citizens, students, veterans, or struggling families. Florida got it right by ending in-state tuition for 43,000 students effective July 1, 2025. Texas is now on the same path, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Beyond the dollars, there's a deeper issue. Handing out tuition breaks to illegal immigrants signals that breaking the law pays off. That's a dangerous message, especially amid a border crisis fueled by years of lax enforcement. Trump's executive actions, like expanding expedited removal and setting ICE arrest quotas, tackle this head-on. Texas's decision reinforces that effort, ensuring education policies don't lure more illegal immigration.

Groups like FWD.us and the Presidents' Alliance defend tuition breaks, claiming they boost college enrollment by 65% and strengthen the workforce. They argue these policies help vulnerable youth and drive economic growth. But let's cut through the noise: why should American taxpayers foot the bill for those who entered the country illegally? The 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act explicitly bars public benefits like in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. Texas's old policy ignored that law, and the DOJ's lawsuit set the record straight.

These advocates also tug at heartstrings, saying tuition equity prevents hardship for young people. But what about American students buried under student loans or priced out of college altogether? Fairness demands we prioritize them. The claim that tuition breaks reduce high school dropout rates sounds compelling, but it dodges the core issue: public resources should serve those who respect our laws. Texas's decision marks a return to reason, not a harsh measure, ensuring education benefits go to citizens first.

Some argue states should defy federal law to protect these students. That's a nonstarter. The Supremacy Clause makes clear that federal law trumps state policies. Texas's choice to align with federal statutes and Trump's executive orders shows respect for the rule of law, not defiance. The opposition's case, built on emotion rather than principle, crumbles when you prioritize American citizens.

Texas's decision is a game-changer, proving that leaders can put Americans first. By ending in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, the state upholds the rule of law and protects taxpayers. This move dovetails with Trump's broader immigration reforms, from tightening refugee admissions to cracking down on sanctuary jurisdictions. It's a unified push to restore order and fairness.

The impact will echo beyond Texas. Students who benefited from the old policy may face higher costs or even repay past tuition savings, a tough but just outcome. Other states, under pressure from federal lawsuits and Trump's executive orders, may follow Texas's lead, especially as courts uphold federal supremacy in immigration matters. While the 10th Amendment protects states from being forced to enforce federal law, Texas's voluntary cooperation shows how states can work with the federal government to tackle illegal immigration.

This moment matters. Texas has chosen justice over favoritism, setting a standard for the nation. Legal challenges and pushback from sanctuary jurisdictions will continue, but Texas's stand proves that prioritizing citizens is possible. This policy change makes a powerful statement. It's time for every state to take note and demand policies that put Americans first, ensuring a future where fairness and the rule of law prevail.