Fifteen-year-old Cesar Espinosa watched his sister testify for a bill to grant in-state tuition to people who live in Texas but lack legal immigration status, though he didn't truly understand the Texas Dream Act until he graduated from high school.

Texas Republicans saw expanding college access for certain undocumented students as a way to build an educated workforce. Now, some GOP lawmakers feel only U.S. citizens should receive those benefits.

Tens of thousands of students without legal status will now face steep tuition hikes. Immigration advocates expect the ruling will be challenged in court.