Thomas A. Saenz
Coverage of Thomas A. Saenz in the Nexus archive.
- Appeals court rejects effort to defend Texas law offering in-state tuition for undocumented students
A federal appeals court rejected a defense of the Texas Dream Act, ending a state law that allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that federal law prohibits such benefits unless available to all U.S. citizens. Advocacy groups and educational institutions criticized the decision, while Governor Greg Abbott praised it as a legal victory.
- US Supreme Court further erodes Voting Rights Act by declining Arkansas case, advocates say
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Arkansas' limits on voter assistance, allowing a lower court ruling to stand that blocks private enforcement of Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act. Advocacy groups argue this decision weakens protections for voters with disabilities or limited English proficiency, while state officials defend the law as a common-sense measure to prevent undue influence.