Department of Education strips illegal immigrants of free tuition: REPORT
A policy from the Clinton era allowed illegal immigrants access to federal funds for education.
The administration of President Donald Trump has now revoked this rule, saying it "mischaracterized the law."
The Department of Education on Thursday revoked a policy from the administration of former President Bill Clinton that allowed illegal immigrants access to federal funds for education.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s Feb. 19 executive order ending taxpayer subsidies for illegal immigrants. Beginning Aug. 9, 2025, programs receiving federal funds must verify participants’ eligibility, the Daily Caller News Foundation reports.
[RELATED: Analysis shows illegal immigration puts strain on American college students’ education]
The Clinton administration’s 1997 “Dear Colleague” letter exempted certain education programs from the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), which limits federal benefits to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Trump’s Education Department said this interpretation “mischaracterized the law.”
On June 30, the administration announced it would also revoke nearly $7 billion in grants, stating the funds were promoting “a radical leftwing agenda” and aiding illegal immigrants through English language programs.
The administration has also sued states that grant in-state tuition to illegal immigrants and warned schools against offering benefits in defiance of federal law.