El Paso County endorses Texas Dream Act amid federal legal challenge

The El Paso County Commissioners Court on Monday unanimously approved a resolution affirming support for the Texas Dream Act and urging state and federal officials to protect affordable access to higher education for all Texas students regardless of immigration status.

The resolution, introduced by Commissioner David Stout and adopted by a motion from Commissioner Stout with a second from Judge Samaniego, says the county opposes a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit filed June 4, 2025 that seeks to strike the policy. The court recorded the vote as "motion carries." The resolution notes the law, first adopted in February 2001, lets eligible undocumented students pay in-state tuition when they meet residency and other requirements.

The action followed nearly an hour of public comment from current and former students and campus groups from the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso Community College, Texas Rising and the Border Network for Human Rights. Speakers described personal education paths they said relied on in-state tuition and warned the DOJ challenge would cut off opportunities for future nurses, teachers and other professionals. Several students recounted being told they could not afford college before learning they qualified for in-state rates under the Dream Act.

Student speakers cited economic figures in the resolution text: undocumented Texans contribute an estimated $5.4 billion annually in state taxes and pay roughly $80 million a year in tuition, and about 18,000 undocumented students graduate from Texas high schools each year. Speakers urged the court to use its platform to pressure state and federal leaders to preserve the policy.

Representatives of local organizations also urged the court to back the resolution. Alan Isaraga of the Border Network for Human Rights called the DOJ action “a coordinated plot to betray our values,” and urged the county to stand with students and universities. Ryan Boatwright, president of the UTEP Student Government Association, said Texas was the first state to adopt the policy and that losing it would cost the state “an estimated $461 million annually in lost economic activity,” a figure he cited from presenters.

The court’s resolution directs no county expenditure; it is a formal expression of the court’s position. Commissioners and staff discussed the broader political context, and several members thanked the young people and campus advocates for organizing and speaking to the court. The court also agreed to continue monitoring developments in the litigation and to coordinate with local lawmakers on follow-up actions.

The DOJ lawsuit and any subsequent court action could affect college billing practices this fall; the resolution notes the short time horizon and urges state and federal officials to act to preserve affordability for students who meet the statute’s eligibility rules.

Speakers: Commissioner David Stout (County Commissioner); Judge Samaniego (El Paso County Judge); Jesse (Jesus) Moreno (president, UTEP College Democrats); Natalie Fernandez (UTEP College Democrats); Angelica Rodriguez (UTEP student); Yvonne Diaz (UTEP alumna); Ruby Rodriguez (Texas Rising, advocacy organizer); Denise Ayuso (EPCC campus organizer); Michael Gutierrez (Texas Rising regional program coordinator); Ryan Boatwright (UTEP Student Government Association president); Alan Isaraga (Border Network for Human Rights representative); Liana Varette (vice president, El Paso Young Democrats); Pauline Ramirez (supporter)

Authorities: {"type":"policy","name":"Texas Dream Act (in-state tuition policy for eligible undocumented students, enacted Feb 2001)","referenced_by":["resolution text","public comments"]},{"type":"other","name":"U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit (filed 06/04/2025)","referenced_by":["resolution text","public comments"]}

Discussion vs. decision: The public comment period offered testimony and data; the court adopted a nonbinding resolution expressing support and urging officials to preserve the policy. No county funding or statutory change resulted from the vote.

Clarifying details: The resolution references that 18,000 undocumented students graduate Texas high schools each year and that undocumented Texans contribute an estimated $5.4 billion annually in state taxes and around $80 million annually in tuition payments; presenters also cited a $461 million annual economic loss estimate if the policy ends.

Ending: The court’s resolution is a public statement; county officials said they will continue tracking the litigation and coordinate with state and federal partners on follow-up.