Earlier this week, the Department of Justice successfully sued Texas for offering in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, ensuring our state will no longer subsidize college education for those in the country unlawfully. This long-overdue correction restores fairness for American citizens and legal residents who have been burdened by an unjust system.

Since 2001, when then-Governor Rick Perry signed a bill removing federal immigration status as a factor in determining eligibility for in-state tuition, efforts to end this policy have repeatedly stalled in the Texas Legislature—despite strong conservative support and the clear will of the people across the state. But now, with pressure from the federal level and clear constitutional backing, we are seeing action where the legislature failed to deliver.

One of the leading voices on this issue, State Representative Mike Olcott expressed his support on X, saying he was disappointed his bill (HB1324) to end in state tuition for illegals didn’t receive a hearing but was grateful to President Trump and Governor Abbott for delivering “this long overdue win.”

This federal enforcement victory is not just symbolic—it has real consequences for preserving our state’s integrity, protecting taxpayer dollars, and putting Texans first.