U.S. Sues Virginia Over College Aid for Undocumented Students

The U.S. Justice Department is suing the state of Virginia over a policy that allows undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates. The federal lawsuit argues that Virginia’s policy violates federal immigration law. That law says states cannot provide benefits to people living in the U.S. without legal permission based on their state residency. Virginia’s policy grants "in-state" tuition and state financial aid to students who meet certain criteria, regardless of their immigration status. This includes graduates of Virginia high schools. The Justice Department claims this policy costs Virginia taxpayers millions of dollars. It is asking a federal court to block the state from offering the tuition rates. The case highlights the ongoing national debate over education access for undocumented immigrants. Several other states have similar tuition equity laws.