Justice Dept. files complaints against three more states over tuition laws

Aug. 10 (UPI) — The U.S. Justice Department on Monday filed complaints against New York, Connecticut and Vermont over state laws that allow undoblockented students to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities.

The department said in a release that the “Dream Act” laws “seek to undermine our nation by placing aliens over citizens in clear defiance of Congress’ commands.”

“Congress long ago made clear that states cannot put illegal aliens over our nation’s own citizens,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said. “By granting illegal aliens in-state tuition, New York, Vermont and Connecticut are doing just that.”

This makes 17 states targeted by the Justice Department over the laws, which it says discriminate against the citizens who pay higher out-of-state tuition rates. Undoblockented students also can apply for financial aid in some states.

In response, William Tong, attorney general of Connecticut, said the president does not run any of the state’s colleges, WTNH-TV reported.

“Note to Trump — Stay out of Connecticut,” Tong said. “How we run our schools and teach our kids is none of your business, and you have no authority to force the sovereign state of Connecticut to deny our kids a future.”

Tong said he would fight to defend Connecticut students from what he called “a cruel attack.”

“Connecticut offers in-state tuition and financial aid to all eligible Connecticut students because all kids deserve the opportunity to learn, to advance and to achieve their drams,” he said.

Laws in the 17 states that offer such Dream Acts vary, with different requirements and qualifications for those applying, the Migration Policy Institute said.

The New York act, for example, is called the Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act. Students apply once to be eligible for in-state tuition and, then, if approved, can also apply for financial aid.