SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Trump administration has taken legal action against California, claiming that the state's policies of providing in-state college tuition, scholarships, and state-funded financial aid to students who lack legal status violate federal law and detrimentally impact U.S. citizens.
The lawsuit was submitted on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California and names several defendants, including state officials and public university systems like the University of California and California State. The administration argues that these practices not only encourage illegal immigration but also place undue burdens on American citizens.
In recent months, the Trump administration has pursued similar lawsuits in other states such as Illinois, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Texas, attempting to challenge state laws that it believes unlawfully favor undocumented immigrants. In fact, both Texas and Florida have recently retracted analogous statutes under pressure from the federal government.
Proponents of California's in-state tuition benefits contend these measures do not breach federal law, as they also offer similar rates to U.S. citizens in comparable circumstances—residents of the state who have graduated from local high schools. California's Dream Act allows these students access to state-funded financial aid.
The lawsuit comes closely following executive orders from President Trump aimed at limiting federal benefits for undocumented immigrants and challenging local measures that allegedly prioritize these individuals over U.S. citizens.
California Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the state’s policies, stating, “California is illegally discriminating against American students and families by offering exclusive tuition benefits for non-citizens.” This lawsuit is one of three filed against California in just a week, signaling a steadfast effort by the administration to enforce federal immigration laws.
In defending its policies, the University of California stated, “While we will, of course, comply with the law as determined by the courts, we believe our policies and practices are consistent with current legal standards.” The ongoing legal battles may have broader implications on the educational opportunities available to undocumented students across the nation.
The California State University system is America's largest, with more than 460,000 students, a significant portion being first-generation college attendees, and emphasizing the diversity of its population.
