Justice Department files suits against NY, CT and VT over in-state tuition for undocumented students
The Justice Department has sued New York, Connecticut and Vermont, alleging their laws that grant in-state tuition rates to undocumented immigrants violate federal rules.
The U.S. Justice Department initiated legal actions against New York, Connecticut and Vermont, contending that their provisions allowing undocumented immigrants to pay in-state college tuition breach federal law. In a statement, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward cited congressional intent to prevent states from giving preferential treatment to illegal aliens over citizens. The department notes that it has already challenged similar statutes in fourteen states, including New Jersey, Minnesota and California.
The current filings complete the department’s effort to sue every state in the Second Circuit that offers such benefits. The move follows a July ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that affirmed a Texas judge’s injunction against state-funded tuition for undocumented students. Officials said the lawsuits aim to fulfill President Trump’s pledge to end benefits for illegal immigrants.
Why it matters
The suits could reshape state tuition policies and affect thousands of undocumented students seeking college affordability.
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