These so-called tuition breaks are not specifically for illegals, they are for the children of illegals who have established long-term residency in Texas. These children may or may not themselves be illegal, but it is all predicated on long-term Texas residency, as well as acceptance in the schools. It's not like UT an A&M are throwing their doors open to people who have just walked across the river. (Yes, you can walk across the Rio Grande for much of its length. Think of it as a 1900 mile long creek.)
You are correct. All the anti-Perry hysteria lies were generated by the Left and picked up by gullible Conservatives. Perry has more conservative in his big toes than Romney has in his whole body, yet Perry was still spat on by so-called “conservatives.”