Department of Education Ends Taxpayer-Funded Education for Illegal Immigrants Starting August

The Department of Education under President Trump has revoked a Clinton-era rule that allowed illegal immigrants to access taxpayer-funded benefits for postsecondary education programs, including career, technical, and adult education. This change enforces the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), which limits federal public benefits to U.S. citizens and legal residents, correcting a previous misinterpretation that exempted certain education programs. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized that taxpayer funds should benefit American citizens and legally present individuals, with enforcement of the new policy beginning August 9, 2025. The administration has further moved to revoke billions in federal grants tied to education programs it views as promoting a leftwing agenda and has taken legal action against states providing in-state tuition benefits to illegal immigrants. President Trump’s executive order and agency directives reflect a broader effort to ensure that federal education subsidies support only qualified individuals. Despite these measures, some schools continue to offer benefits to undocumented students, challenging the administration's policies.