AUSTIN – Today, the Senate Subcommittee on Border Security is discussing SB 185 and SB 1819, bills that, respectively, target students and hurt proven police strategies to reduce crimes in our communities. Senator José Rodríguez issued the following statement:
These bills are examples of politics trumping policy. Neither addresses real issues of crime and, in fact, would hurt the state’s efforts to reduce criminal activity. SB 185 forces local police to act as immigration agents, or risk losing state funding, while SB 1819 targets students who receive in-state tuition as residents of Texas, even though they are not U.S. citizens.
The latter bill, particularly, sends a message not only because of its content but also because of the venue in which it was heard. This is a higher education issue or perhaps a State Affairs issue, but it's not a security issue or a military issue. While Senate committees don't have jurisdictional statements, common sense should prevail here.
There is not one single piece of evidence that suggest DREAMers pose a threat to the border or to Texas. Three other bills with the same or similar language have been referred to higher education or state affairs. Hearing this in Border Security sends an inaccurate message about these students and it sends the unfortunate message that we are playing political games with important legislation.
Ultimately, our economic future depends on educating these young people. Each person who attends college, gains employment authorization, and obtains a professional job adds value to Texas, whether through their income and spending or through their attractiveness to employers seeking to relocate or expand.
In 2011, immigrants of all status contributed $65 billion in economic output to the state in terms of wages, salary, and business earnings. In 2010, undocumented immigrants in Texas paid an estimated $1.6 billion in state and local taxes. In part, these taxes help support Texas institutions of higher education.
These Texas students without status are not a drain on state funds; they must pay for college like everyone else. In FY 2013, undocumented students contributed $51.6 million in tuition fees, $30.5 million more than the formula funding of $21.1 million.
These students also are not receiving any special treatment. They must meet the same academic criteria and financial need as any other Texan applying for in-state tuition to attend an institution of higher education.
As we heard the testimony of these students, leaders, and advocates, Texans have to ask themselves: What was this really all about?
The answer should be that it's about students. It's about the future.
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José Rodríguez represents Texas Senate District 29, which includes the counties of El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, and Presidio. He represents both urban and rural constituencies, and more than 350 miles of the Texas-Mexico border. Senator Rodríguez currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Hispanic Caucus, and is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Health and Human Services; Veteran Affairs and Military Installations; Nominations; and Agriculture, Water, and Rural Affairs.