Undocumented students in the Coastal Bend face higher tuition costs as the Texas Dream Act is paused, sparking concern among immigration advocates.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — For undocumented students in Texas, the excitement of going back to school is clouded by uncertainty after a major change this summer.
Back in June, the Texas Dream Act was put on pause, meaning undocumented students are now being asked to pay out-of-state tuition starting this fall. Some have tried to appeal or sent in extra paperwork, hoping to keep their in-state status but a lot of them are now facing much higher tuition bills this year.
For nearly 24 years, the Texas Dream Act helped undocumented students afford college. But now that it’s on hold, immigration advocate Alicia Valdez said families are facing steep tuition costs and tough sacrifices to keep their kids in school.
“The cost is too much and the parents, even the students, will have to sacrifice and sell their own lives to have to pay for that,” Valdez said.
Heather Moretzsohn has been an immigration lawyer for more than 30 years, and said she doesn’t agree with making it harder for undocumented students to get an education.
“For the state to deprive them of that opportunity – It’s not really their fault, but they’re here they’ve gone through our system and I think it’s our duty to educate them or allow them to get an education,” Moretzsohn said.
At TAMUCC, in-state tuition is $9,748 and out-of-state is $20,794.
Over at Del Mar College, it’s lower, with in-state tuition at $1,417 and out-of-state at $2,461.
Dean of Outreach and Enrollment Services at Del Mar College Gracie Martinez is back at her alma mater, helping other students reach their goals. She said the school works hard to give every student a real shot at earning a certification or degree.
“There’s still an opportunity for them, so, but we’re still monitoring changes so we’re still hopeful, you know, so we’re trying to do everything that we can to help everyone,” Martinez said.
Moretzsohn she’s seen laws change and even a few miracles happen along the way.
“Things go back and forth and so don’t give up hope stay straight and narrow don’t be involved with any criminal matters and just keep moving forward,” Moretzsohn said.
Valdez said just like Martin Luther King Jr, undocumented students have a dream and it’s up to the community to help them make it a reality.
“They are the real dreamers. Just remember Martin Luther King, he had a dream and now these students have another dream that we must and have the right to help them achieve it,” Valdez said.
More from 3NEWS on KIIITV.com:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you’d like to remain anonymous.