DOJ Sues Maryland Over In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students, Making It the 13th State Targeted

The U.S. Department of Justice sued Maryland in federal court, arguing that the Maryland DREAM Act violates federal law by granting in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants who reside in the state—a benefit, the DOJ contends, that is unavailable to U.S. citizens living outside of Maryland. The lawsuit seeks to block the law and obtain a permanent injunction against any financial aid or scholarship programs benefiting undocumented residents, citing roughly $9 million in annual tuition savings as evidence of unlawful subsidization. Inside Higher Ed reports that Maryland’s Attorney General Anthony Brown said his office would fight the suit in court, while House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk called it an attempt by the federal government to override state policy choices made through the democratic process, arguing that students who grew up in Maryland, attended its public schools, and paid state taxes deserve the chance to pursue higher education. Maryland becomes the 13th state sued by the Justice Department over similar in-state tuition policies, joining Virginia, New Jersey, Texas, California, and others in a widening legal battle over how states can extend higher education access to undocumented residents.