Immigrant DREAMs: English Learners, the Texas 10% Admissions Plan, and College Academic Success

Abstract

English learners (ELs) are facing unique issues in higher education that remain largely unexplored. This research focuses on college choice, enrollment, and graduation among high-achieving ELs who were eligible for automatic admission to any public higher education institution in Texas by having graduated in the top 10% of their high school class. We found that large enrollment gains for ELs were not observed until revised Texas DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) legislation stipulated that immigrant students fulfilling reformulated residency requirements were entitled to in-state tuition rates. The majority of top 10% ELs enrolled at border institutions, were largely first-generation college students, and experienced generally higher cohort graduation rates at Texas flagship universities.

A critical policy analysis of Texas’ Closing the Gaps 2015

“…Perhaps, most importantly -especially in the case of Texas -is the silence on immigrant students (Blount & Rodriguez, 2015) considering Texas has the second largest immigrant population in the United States (Flores, 2010;Heilig, Rodriguez, & Somers, 2011). In 2013, the Texas state workforce included 21.3% identifying as immigrants, with 8.9% identifying as unauthorized immigrants (American Immigration Council, 2015).…”

“…By addressing residency of undocumented immigrants, the DREAM Act works toward tackling the issue of college affordability by allowing more students to qualify for instate tuition and access state financial aid (The University of Texas at Austin International Office, 2015). Research has shown that reducing college tuition for Hispanic families increases the number of students enrolling and completing college (Flores, 2010;Heilig, Rodriguez, & Somers, 2011; The University of Texas at Austin International Office, 2015). In fact, there is an increase in students enrolling and completing college in states with a version of the DREAM act, compared to states without a similar policy (Heilig, Rodriguez, & Somers, 2011).…”

“…The DREAM Act could help increase the number of students going to college as undocumented immigrant populations and English language learner populations have lower educational attainment rates compared to legal residents (Flores, 2010;Heilig, Rodriguez, & Somers, 2011). Under the DREAM Act, it is estimated 12% of the population could benefit from the policy (American Immigration Council, 2015).…”