Justice Department Challenges Virginia’s In-State Tuition for Illegal Immigrants
The U.S. Department of Justice is challenging Virginia’s laws that provide in-state tuition and financial assistance to undocumented immigrants. This legal move asserts that these regulations unfairly discriminate against U.S. citizens by giving illegal aliens benefits not available to American residents.
Details of the Legal Challenge
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the simplicity of the matter, stating that schools cannot offer benefits to illegal immigrants that they do not make available to citizens. According to Bondi, it is unacceptable for American students to be treated as second-class citizens in their own country.
Complaint Filed in Court
- The complaint is filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division.
- It targets the Commonwealth of Virginia, aiming to stop the enforcement of these state laws.
- The suit seeks to ensure compliance with federal law regarding educational benefits.
Key Objectives of the Lawsuit
- To enjoin Virginia from allowing in-state tuition rates for all aliens, irrespective of their legal status.
- To prevent Virginia from granting financial aid to illegal immigrants.
This lawsuit builds on two executive orders by President Trump: “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders” and “Protecting American Communities From Criminal Aliens.” These orders aim to eliminate taxpayer benefits for illegal residents.
Precedent of Similar Lawsuits
This legal action follows other similar lawsuits in states such as Texas, Kentucky, Illinois, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and California. The ongoing disputes highlight a growing nationwide concern regarding the treatment of illegal immigrants in educational systems.
