DOJ sues Texas over in-state tuition law for illegal immigrants
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken legal action against Texas in an effort to block the state’s long-standing law that allows in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. The complaint, filed in the Northern District of Texas, aims to bring Texas into compliance with federal regulations that prohibit providing benefits to illegal aliens that are not available to U.S. citizens.
According to federal law, higher education institutions are not permitted to offer benefits to illegal immigrants that are not offered to American citizens. The DOJ’s complaint specifically targets a Texas law that mandates colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates to immigrants who reside in Texas, regardless of their legal status in the U.S.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the laws in Texas directly conflict with federal regulations, violating the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution. The DOJ is committed to upholding federal law and ensuring that U.S. citizens are not treated as secondary to illegal immigrants.
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders upon returning to office in January to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded benefits or preferential treatment. The orders aim to stop the enforcement of state and local laws that provide benefits to aliens over American citizens, including laws that grant in-state tuition to illegal immigrants.
The Texas Dream Act, introduced in 2001, was created to allow children of undocumented immigrants to access higher education in Texas without being subject to higher out-of-state tuition rates. The legislation, signed by Governor Rick Perry, removed federal immigration status as a determining factor for in-state tuition eligibility for students who graduate from Texas high schools.
The legal battle between the DOJ and Texas highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies and benefits for undocumented individuals. The Trump administration’s efforts to enforce federal regulations and prevent preferential treatment for illegal immigrants have sparked controversy and legal challenges across the country.
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This article was written by Greg Wehner, a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. For story tips and inquiries, contact Greg.Wehner@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter @GregWehner.
