Taxpayers will no longer cover the education costs of individuals living in the U.S. illegally, the U.S. Department of Education announced Thursday.
The department stated it will end taxpayer support for illegal immigrants in career, technical, and adult education programs.
According to a news release, the change comes from a new interpretive rule that rescinds a Clinton-era “Dear Colleague” letter. That letter had previously allowed non-qualified illegal immigrants to access federal benefits, contradicting the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA).
PRWORA’s Title IV restricts eligibility for federal public benefits to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain qualified noncitizens.
These benefits include retirement, welfare, healthcare, disability support, housing assistance, postsecondary education, food assistance, and unemployment benefits.
In 1997, the Clinton administration incorrectly excluded career, technical, and adult education programs from PRWORA’s restrictions, the department said. That decision misinterpreted the law by suggesting federal benefit programs could be treated differently based on how assistance was delivered—something Congress never specified.
The department clarified that this new rule will also continue to bar illegal immigrants from accessing programs under the Higher Education Act, including Pell Grants and student loans.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized, “Federal postsecondary education programs should benefit American citizens, not illegal aliens.”
She added, “Under President Trump’s leadership, hardworking American taxpayers will no longer fund illegal immigrants participating in career, technical, or adult education programs.”
McMahon said the department will ensure that funds are directed to citizens and those who have entered the country legally and meet federal requirements.
Jessica M. Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, supported the move, saying taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize education for individuals who are not authorized to work in the U.S.
“Illegal workers displace American workers and drive down wages,” Vaughan said. The Center for Immigration Studies describes itself as an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research group.
The department clarified that interpretive rules are not legally binding and do not carry effective dates. However, they reflect the department’s stance and may be used for compliance monitoring under PRWORA.
When asked for comment, the department referred to its news release and its March decision to revoke waivers that allowed colleges in California and Oregon to use federal funds to serve illegal immigrants.
This policy change aligns with Trump’s February executive order titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.”
Earlier in March, the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Homeland Security also announced an end to taxpayer-funded housing for illegal immigrants.
Trump’s order instructed federal agencies to stop funding public benefits for individuals living in the U.S. illegally.
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