Politics
Justice Department sues four states over higher education benefits for undocumented immigrants
Lawsuits against Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington bring the total number of targeted states to 21.
The short version
- The U.S. Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington over state policies extending in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented students.
- Federal officials argue that state laws granting residency benefits to undocumented immigrants violate federal statutes unless those same benefits are offered to all U.S. citizens.
- The actions bring the total number of states facing federal litigation over higher education benefits to 21, following previous legal decisions favoring the federal government in five states.
Key facts
- The U.S. Department of Justice filed lawsuits against Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington over policies allowing undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition, state grants, and state-funded loans.[Fox News · Fox News]
- Justice Department officials argue that under federal law, higher education benefits offered to undocumented immigrants must be made available to all U.S. citizens.[Fox News · Fox News]
- The new filings raise the total number of states sued by the Justice Department over tuition benefits to 21.[Fox News · Fox News]
- The Justice Department has prevailed in previous related cases in Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Illinois.[Fox News · Fox News]
- Washington Governor Bob Ferguson stated that the state will defend its law in court and expects to win.[Fox News]