Texas House Bill HB255

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/17/08

Caption

Relating to prohibiting admission by public institutions of higher education of applicants who are not lawfully authorized to be present in the United States.

Impact

The implementation of HB255 would create significant changes in how public institutions vet applicants for admissions, essentially enforcing stricter immigration-related criteria. This restriction could impact the demographic makeup of student bodies at public colleges and universities throughout Texas. By creating a legal requirement for verification of lawful presence, the bill aims to align educational admissions processes with immigration enforcement efforts, reflecting a trend toward more stringent immigration policies at the state level.

Summary

House Bill 255 aims to prohibit the admission of applicants who are not lawfully authorized to be present in the United States into public institutions of higher education in Texas. This bill amends the Texas Education Code by adding a new section that mandates the submission of documentation verifying lawful presence as a condition for admission. The stipulation applies to all prospective students, regardless of whether they have previously attended the institution. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with establishing the necessary documentation requirements, affecting admissions from the fall semester of 2010 onward.

Contention

Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure that public resources are allocated to individuals legally residing in the United States. They believe that it reinforces the rule of law and the integrity of higher education institutions. Conversely, opponents contend that this law could have detrimental effects on educational access, particularly for the children of undocumented immigrants who may have grown up in the state. Critics also raise concerns regarding the administrative burden placed on educational institutions to ensure compliance with the new documentation requirements.