The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to halt Minnesota’s provision of in-state tuition for certain undocumented students, marking the third such challenge by President Donald Trump’s administration this month.
Earlier in June, a similar effort in Texas saw swift success, with the state agreeing to abandon its in-state eligibility law for undocumented students following federal legal action. Last week, Kentucky faced a similar push from the administration.
Minnesota’s Defense
Minnesota is expected to defend its program vigorously. Governor Tim Walz, a former running mate of Vice President Kamala Harris, has adamantly criticized the current administration.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the need to prioritize American citizens’ rights over benefits for undocumented individuals. The Minnesota Dream Act, signed by former Governor Mark Dayton in 2013, enabled certain undocumented residents to access in-state tuition rates and state financial aid.
Legal Argument
The Department of Justice contends that these laws unfairly favor undocumented immigrants over U.S. citizens residing outside Minnesota, leading to significant disparities in tuition costs.
President Trump’s executive order from April directed federal entities to address any unlawful preferences for aliens over American citizens, including state laws offering discounted tuition rates.
Key Figures
The lawsuit names Governor Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education as defendants. While Walz’s office declined to comment immediately, the Office of Higher Education refrained from discussing ongoing litigation.
Since assuming office in January, President Trump has taken a firm stance on immigration-related issues, including restrictions on foreign students attending U.S. institutions and heightened scrutiny on visa applicants.
For continued updates on this legal battle and its broader implications, stay tuned.
