Cole Hefner, said the legislation would make Texas and the nation safer because "adversarial nations," as identified by the U.S. national intelligence director — China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — could not become Texas landowners.

Advocates say they're protecting Texas and its resources, but opponents worry it could be used to justify racial discrimination.

Texas was the first state to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students in 2001, and 23 states currently have similar policies.