MALC Files Amicus Brief Defending Texas Dream Act

AUSTIN, TX — The Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC) filed an amicus brief in United States v. Students for Affordable Tuition, urging the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court’s decision that blocked Students for Affordable Tuition, La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Austin Community College, and student Oscar Silva from joining the case to defend the Texas Dream Act.

The brief argues that the Texas Legislature, not the Attorney General, represents the will of the state in defending laws that have been duly enacted by elected representatives. MALC’s filing emphasizes that the Texas Dream Act was passed with bipartisan support and remains the law of the land, reflecting a 25-year commitment to expanding access to higher education for immigrant students. The full brief is available here.

“The Texas Dream Act was passed by Republicans and Democrats who understood that opportunity makes Texas stronger,” said MALC Chair Rep. Ramón Romero, Jr. “The Attorney General doesn’t get to erase laws just because he disagrees with them. This case is about defending opportunity, defending students, and defending the will of the people of Texas.”

MALC’s brief also outlines the Legislature’s long record of supporting in-state tuition for immigrant students dating back to 1947. It warns that the Attorney General’s refusal to defend state law oversteps executive authority and threatens the separation of powers that define Texas government.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Jackie Arias-Bryant at jackie@malc.org or (956) 588-5243.