The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a lawsuit against California alleging it is illegal to provide in-state college tuition to immigrants lacking legal status.
DOJ says it is unconstitutional for such immigrants to have access to in-state tuition, scholarships and subsidized loans that are not available to all U.S. citizens.
“California is illegally discriminating against American students and families by offering exclusive tuition benefits for non-citizens,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement. “This marks our third lawsuit against California in one week — we will continue bringing litigation against California until the state ceases its flagrant disregard for federal law.”
The DOJ has filed similar lawsuits in several states, including Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Minnesota and Illinois.
Texas chose not to fight back in the courts, while the rest of the legal challenges are ongoing.
California is the third Democratic state to be targeted, and Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has been a vocal opponent of the Trump administration.
“The DOJ has now filed three meritless, politically motivated lawsuits against California in a single week. Good luck, Trump. We’ll see you in court,” a spokesperson for Newsom said.
Updated at 10:38 am EST