DOJ Moves to Block Texas Tuition Rate for Illegal Immigrants
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) took steps to prevent Texas law enforcement from providing illegal immigrants with in-state tuition rates.
A lawsuit filed by the DOJ aims to scrutinize jurisdictions that break federal immigration laws, as the Trump administration advocates for universities to offer in-state tuition fees to these individuals. This push seems to reference a law, popularly known as the “Dream Act,” established in 2001, which allows those unlawfully present in the U.S. to access reduced tuition at public state universities.
According to federal law, this practice is illegal, as it clearly states that individuals not legally present in the country cannot qualify for in-state tuition based on residency. Attorney General Pam Bondy emphasized that “schools cannot provide benefits to illegal foreigners that aren’t available to U.S. citizens,” reinforcing the intention of the DOJ to uphold federal laws and ensure citizens are not treated unfairly.
Texas is home to one of the largest populations of unauthorized immigrants, estimated at around 57,000 individuals enrolled in state universities as of 2022, according to the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.
The lawsuit is part of a broader strategy initiated by President Trump, involving two executive orders intended to address illegal immigration. One order directs federal agencies to prevent taxpayer-funded benefits from reaching undocumented individuals, while the other aims to protect American communities from criminal elements associated with illegal immigration.
In recent news, there have been legal actions against so-called “sanctuary cities” that reportedly hinder federal immigration enforcement, including a lawsuit filed by the DOJ against Chicago and Cook County over similar policies.
As of now, neither the DOJ nor the Texas Attorney General’s office has responded to inquiries regarding this matter.
