Department of Justice Sues New Jersey Over Tuition Law for Undocumented Immigrants
The Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against New Jersey, filed on Thursday, challenging a law that permits undocumented immigrants to access in-state tuition and financial aid. The government claims this policy is discriminatory towards American citizens.
This lawsuit is aimed at the state itself, several higher education institutions, and officials, seeking to halt the implementation of a law that offers reduced tuition and financial assistance to students, regardless of their immigration status.
According to Justice Department officials, the law breaches federal regulations by providing advantages to undocumented immigrants that are not extended to American citizens. Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate emphasized, “This is a straightforward issue of federal law. In New Jersey and across the nation, universities cannot extend benefits to undocumented individuals that are not available to U.S. citizens. The Department of Justice will not stand by as American students are treated as second-class citizens in their own nation.”
New Jersey’s current law allows students who meet certain residency criteria to qualify for in-state tuition at public universities, regardless of their legal status in the country. Furthermore, it enables specific undocumented students to access financial aid and scholarships.
Deputy Attorney General Stanley Woodward expressed concern about how this policy potentially disadvantages American students. He remarked, “Imagine being denied an educational opportunity in your own country. New Jersey is doing just that by allowing undocumented immigrants access to in-state tuition.”
This lawsuit marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to contest state laws perceived to favor illegal immigrants. It is reported as the ninth lawsuit of this kind, as noted by the Justice Department.
Previous lawsuits have arisen in states like Texas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, which have led to rulings that block similar legislations. Additional cases are also progressing in Illinois, Minnesota, California, and others.
Supporters of New Jersey’s policy argue that the criteria for in-state tuition should hinge on residency, not immigration status, and aim to broaden educational access for students who have spent many years living in the state.
The case is currently pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
