The Texas State legislature has extended eligibility for state student financial aid programs to certain non-citizens. This legislation is known as HB 1403, SB 1528 or the "Noriega Bill". To receive assistance from state aid programs the student must:

• Have graduated or will graduate from a Texas public or private high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Texas;
• Have resided in Texas for three years leading up to graduation from high school or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma;
• Have resided or will have resided in Texas for the 12 months prior to the census date of the semester in which the student will enroll in DCCCD.
• Sign the affidavit provided by the college that states the student has filed or will file an application to become a permanent resident at the earliest eligible opportunity to do so.