President Donald Trump is pushing to eliminate in-state tuition benefits for undocumented college students, a move that could significantly impact access to higher education for thousands of young immigrants across the U.S. This initiative stems from an executive order signed on the 28th of last month, which directs the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to act against state policies that provide what the administration views as preferential treatment to undocumented individuals.
The order specifically challenges policies in roughly 20 states — including New York and New Jersey — that allow undocumented students to pay lower in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. Trump’s administration argues that such policies are unfair to U.S. citizens, especially those who must pay higher out-of-state tuition when attending schools outside their home states.
According to the higher education outlet Inside Higher Ed, the executive order could affect as many as 24 states that currently offer in-state tuition regardless of a student’s immigration status. While the order does not detail the exact enforcement mechanisms, it signals that the federal government may pressure states to reverse or modify these tuition policies.
New York, for example, has offered in-state tuition to undocumented students since 2002, if they graduated from high school within the state and meet other basic requirements. This policy has made college more accessible for many undocumented students who often face severe financial barriers. In-state tuition can be several times lower than out-of-state rates, making the difference between affording a degree or not.
Critics of Trump’s move argue that targeting in-state tuition for undocumented students is punitive and short-sighted, potentially harming students who have spent most of their lives in the U.S. and who often contribute positively to their communities. Supporters, however, contend that it restores fairness to U.S. citizens and discourages illegal immigration by removing financial incentives.
Despite the executive order, it remains unclear how aggressively the federal government will act or what consequences states might face if they continue offering in-state tuition to undocumented students.