Opportunity Scholarships, ICE cooperation bill heads to governor

Bill would provide scholarships to undocumented students

* The bill, SB 65, would create a new scholarship program for undocumented students who meet certain requirements. * To be eligible, students must have attended a Texas high school for at least three years, have a GPA of at least 2.5, and be enrolled in a Texas college or university.

Bill would authorize state cooperation with ICE

* The bill would also authorize state and local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). * This cooperation would include sharing information about undocumented immigrants who have been arrested or convicted of a crime.

Bill has been criticized by immigrant rights groups

* Immigrant rights groups have criticized the bill, saying it would create a hostile environment for undocumented immigrants and make it more difficult for them to access education and other services. * They also argue that the bill would lead to racial profiling and discrimination.

Bill has been supported by law enforcement groups

* Law enforcement groups have supported the bill, saying it would help them to keep their communities safe. * They argue that the bill would allow them to share information about undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes, and that this information would help them to prevent future crimes.

Bill is now headed to the governor

* The bill passed the Texas Senate by a vote of 19-12 and the Texas House of Representatives by a vote of 83-63. * It is now headed to the governor's desk, who has not yet said whether he will sign it into law.