Colleges and universities across the US have enrolled approximately 408,000 illegal immigrants, many of whom receive in-state tuition and financial aid. These benefits, which are denied to American students from other states, have allowed institutions to profit from taxpayer funding while bypassing federal law.
Despite a 1996 law that prohibits states from offering in-state tuition to illegal immigrants unless the same benefit is extended to all US citizens, 25 states continue to grant reduced tuition rates. Of those, 20 also provide financial assistance to undocumented students, further shifting the burden onto taxpayers.
The largest concentrations of illegal immigrant students are in California, Texas, Florida, and New York, which collectively enroll the majority of these students. Most entered the country as minors, with 71% arriving before the age of 17. The number of illegal immigrants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status continues to decline due to legal restrictions on the program.
While some states have moved to block illegal immigrants from receiving benefits, the majority have either maintained or expanded financial support. Minnesota recently broadened its policies to provide free tuition for illegal immigrant students at state universities. In New York, public universities have been used to house migrants, sparking security concerns on campuses.
Lawsuits challenging the practice of granting tuition breaks to illegal immigrants have been dismissed, as courts have ruled that US citizens do not have standing to sue. Universities continue to benefit from these policies, gaining additional revenue while avoiding legal consequences.
With nearly half a million illegal immigrants enrolled in higher education and institutions profiting off their presence, the issue remains a costly burden for taxpayers who continue to fund these programs.
