| TAMACC Applauds ACC Trustees for Defending Texas Dream Act ACC Becomes First College to Join Lawsuit Supporting Dreamers
AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) is commending Austin Community College (ACC) for taking decisive action in defense of Dreamers following a federal court ruling that struck down the Texas Dream Act.
Speaking before the ACC Board of Trustees, TAMACC Director J.R. Gonzales joined students, alumni, and educators in urging the college to oppose the ruling, which threatens in-state tuition access for undocumented students. Gonzales emphasized the significant economic impact of Dreamers in Austin and across the state.
“Dreamers are vital to our economy,” Gonzales said. “Affordable education helps develop the skilled workforce Austin businesses rely on.” He noted that more than 13,000 DACA-eligible individuals in the Austin area contribute $74 million in taxes and hold $238 million in spending power. Repealing in-state tuition, he warned, could cost Texas $461 million annually.
Just days after Gonzales’s testimony, the ACC Board voted unanimously in a special meeting to join a lawsuit challenging the repeal, becoming the first community college in Texas to take such legal action. Trustees stated the court’s ruling came without proper input and jeopardizes both students and the region’s workforce pipeline.
Texas became the first state to adopt in-state tuition for undocumented students in 2001. The policy requires students to have lived in Texas for at least three years, graduated from a Texas high school, and signed an affidavit promising to seek legal residency. According to Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser, approximately 19,000 students have signed this affidavit.
With more than 70,000 students enrolled, ACC is Central Texas’s largest workforce educator. College officials estimate that around 500 of its current students could be forced to drop out if in-state tuition is revoked. Across the state, roughly 57,000 undocumented students are enrolled in higher education institutions.
ACC Board Chair Sean Hassan emphasized the importance of protecting these students. “We’re asking the court to reconsider a decision that harms our students and our future workforce,” he said. TAMACC remains steadfast in its support of the Texas Dream Act and applauds ACC’s leadership in standing up for immigrant students and the economic well-being of Texas. | 
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