End of In-State Tuition Breaks for Kentucky Undocumented Residents

Settlement Ends In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants in Kentucky

Kentucky has decided that illegal immigrants will no longer be able to take advantage of low in-state tuition rates. This change comes after a lawsuit led by Attorney General Pam Bondy prompted a settlement aimed at ending the practice.

Attorney General Russell Coleman mentioned in an interview with a news outlet that an agreement was reached between federal authorities and educators. This shift followed a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department, which contended that Kentucky’s tuition policies were in violation of federal law.

“According to federal law, illegal immigrants can’t access higher education benefits, like in-state tuition rates, unless similar benefits are granted to all U.S. citizens,” Coleman explained.

Bondy emphasized that “No state should make Americans feel like second-class citizens by offering economic benefits to illegal aliens,” when the lawsuit was initiated back in June.

The lawsuit was inspired by successful actions against Texas for similar tuition policies favoring illegal immigrants, as noted by the Department of Justice.

Coleman pointed out that the previous policy seemed to attract non-citizens, making Kentucky more appealing compared to states that don’t provide such financial incentives.

While the agreement isn’t official until a federal district judge signs it, Coleman suggested it has generally been settled.

The federal attorney general noted that KCEP must comply with Kentucky’s administrative requirements regarding in-state tuition fees.

“I appreciate that (KCEP) has now aligned with the law,” he stated, “but it’s unfortunate that it took the Justice Department’s legal authority and input from law enforcement to guide them there.”

If the agreement receives judicial approval, it would halt efforts by Latino civil rights organizations aiming to preserve the existing policies.

Recently, the Legal Defense and Education Fund for Mexican Americans (MALDEF) submitted a claim arguing that the federal government oversteps its bounds by attempting to interfere with local tuition practices.