The U.S. Justice Department has launched a legal challenge against California, accusing the state of illegally favoring undocumented students over American citizens from other states in tuition benefits.
Federal Lawsuit Details
On Thursday, the Justice Department filed suit against California, specifically targeting a provision in the state's Education Code that allows undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition benefits. These benefits include reduced resident tuition rates, scholarship opportunities, and access to subsidized loans.
The lawsuit argues that federal law explicitly prohibits individuals illegally present in the United States from receiving in-state tuition benefits that are unavailable to out-of-state U.S. citizens. According to the complaint, "There are no exceptions" to this federal prohibition.
California's Defense and Political Context
The legal action names several defendants, including Governor Gavin Newsom, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, and the governing boards of California's three public higher education systems: the University of California, California State University, and California Community Colleges.
Izzy Gordon, speaking for Governor Newsom, characterized the lawsuit as "meritless and politically motivated." The governor's office responded defiantly, stating: "Good luck, Trump. We'll see you in court."
This marks the third lawsuit the Justice Department has filed against California within a single week, signaling an escalating legal confrontation between the federal government and the state.
Historical Precedent and Student Impact
California's tuition policy for undocumented students has previously withstood legal scrutiny. The California Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the law in 2010, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case.
According to The Los Angeles Times, approximately 70,000 undocumented students currently attend California's community colleges. An additional 4,000 are estimated to be enrolled at University of California campuses, while about 9,500 study across California State University institutions.
The Trump administration has pursued similar legal actions against several other states, including Texas, Kentucky, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Minnesota. Texas, under Republican leadership, has already complied with the administration's demand to end similar tuition benefits for undocumented students.
