The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of Colorado, challenging the state's policy of offering in-state tuition and financial aid to illegal immigrants attending public colleges and universities.
The lawsuit, filed in Colorado federal court, targets the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, the state Department of Higher Education, and its director, JB Holston, as defendants.
The Justice Department argues that the Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) Act and related state policies violate a federal statute that prohibits states from offering higher education benefits to illegal immigrants based on their residency, unless the same benefits are available to all U.S. citizens.
The complaint alleges that Colorado's policies create an unconstitutional preference for illegal immigrants, who are eligible for lower tuition rates and state-funded scholarships, while out-of-state citizens are denied the same benefits.
The Justice Department also argues that lower tuition rates incentivize illegal immigration and reward individuals for breaking the nation's laws.
The lawsuit marks the fourteenth challenge by the Trump administration to in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, with the Justice Department stating that its goal is to fulfill President Trump's promise that illegal aliens will not obtain preferential treatment over American citizens.
The lawsuit seeks a declaration that several Colorado state laws associated with the matter are unconstitutional, as well as court fees.
