undocumented students

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed lawsuits against three additional states regarding the issue of in-state tuition rates for undocumented students.

The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Colorado over state laws providing in-state tuition and financial aid benefits to undocumented students, arguing they violate federal law. The lawsuit targets the 2013 ASSET Act, which allows undocumented students meeting residency criteria to qualify for state educational benefits. The DOJ claims these benefits conflict with federal statutes requiring equal treatment for U.S. citizens and non-lawful residents.

Texas will not provide in-state tuition to undocumented students following a court ruling. The article references the ruling and coverage of the case's oral arguments.

Florida's education board, aligned with Ron DeSantis, banned undocumented students from state colleges, following a prior move to remove in-state tuition discounts for certain immigrant students. Critics called the decision 'cruel and harmful,' arguing it blocks access to education for non-citizens and those not 'lawfully present.'

Florida's state board has banned undocumented students from enrolling in state colleges, making it the fourth state to implement such restrictions. The policy explicitly limits admission for undocumented individuals at public institutions.

Florida universities are considering banning undocumented students, and the board overseeing state colleges is also exploring a similar restriction. If implemented, Florida would become the fourth state to limit noncitizens' enrollment in public colleges and universities.

Two recent federal court orders provide insight into the legal battle over tuition equity laws allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition, which the Trump administration has targeted. The rulings highlight the ongoing conflict between state policies and federal actions regarding educational access for undocumented individuals.

Most Americans broadly support public education for undocumented students, as shown by a 2026 survey. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed this right in 1982, but some states have attempted to restrict access through proposed laws. Political affiliation significantly influences support, with higher agreement among Democrats compared to Republicans.

Advocates seek a federal appeals court's permission to challenge the blockage of the Texas Dream Act, which provides in-state tuition to eligible undocumented students. The law was previously blocked last year.

The Texas Dream Act faces a court challenge regarding the restoration of in-state tuition for undocumented students. Students are entering the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station.