DOJ sues Minnesota over in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigran

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a complaint challenging laws in Minnesota that provide free and reduced in-state tuition to illegal aliens, claiming the laws are unconstitutional.

Under federal law, higher education institutions are prohibited from providing benefits to illegal aliens not offered to U.S. citizens.

According to the DOJ, Minnesota’s laws unconstitutionally discriminate against U.S. citizens and are in direct conflict with federal law.

“No state can be allowed to treat Americans like second-class citizens in their own country by offering financial benefits to illegal aliens,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said. “The Department of Justice just won on this exact issue in Texas, and we look forward to taking this fight to Minnesota in order to protect the rights of American citizens first.”

DISCOUNTED COLLEGE TUITION FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS POLICY LEADS DOJ TO SUE KENTUCKY

Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice are suing the state of Minnesota for allowing illegal immigrants to get free or reduced in-state tuition, which is not afforded to all U.S. citizens. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

By filing the lawsuit, the DOJ is demanding that Minnesota stop the enforcement of a law requiring public colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates and free tuition based on certain income circumstances to immigrants in the country illegally who maintain state residency.

Federal law prohibits higher education facilities from providing education benefits to illegal immigrants, which are not offered to U.S. citizens.

The lawsuit comes just weeks after the DOJ took actions against Texas for providing similar benefits to illegal immigrants.

DOJ SUES TEXAS FOR OFFERING IN-STATE COLLEGE TUITION TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN ALLEGED VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW