Washington, DC – Yesterday afternoon, the U.S. Department of Justice announced its latest lawsuits against states’ tuition equity policies for Dreamers, with new complaints against Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, and Utah bringing the total to 25 such lawsuits filed in the past two years.
The following are statements from MALDEF, TheDream.US, and the Presidents’ Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration in response.
Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of MALDEF: “This coordinated attack on the rights of young immigrants is unprecedented and unwarranted. No administration of either party has ever previously challenged these state tuition-equity laws. No one in 2024 voted for shady lawsuits and courthouse shenanigans in casting a ballot for president. These final suits seal a legacy of shame for this department and administration.”
According to Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US: “The states are different, but the key takeaways remain the same: we are witnessing a coordinated attack against Dreamers' educational opportunities, stability, and safety that threatens to harm not only the affected students, but the entire nation.”
Miriam Feldblum, President & CEO, Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration: “Let’s be clear, federal law does not categorically prohibit states from extending in-state tuition to undocumented students. Twenty-five lawsuits in less than two years is a tragic milestone and should be a wake-up call for all of us in higher education. The administration’s sweeping effort to shut off higher education access and affordability to Dreamers defies all educational, economic, and common sense. These policies, many enacted with bipartisan support, expand access to education, strengthen state workforces, and increase the number of skilled graduates contributing to their communities and our country.”