The Biden-Harris administration has introduced a new proposal that would allow illegal immigrants to participate in taxpayer-funded college preparatory programs, originally intended to assist low-income American citizens. This rule, proposed by the Department of Education, would grant access to federal TRIO programs for those eligible under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. These TRIO programs are designed to support low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities from middle school through to post-baccalaureate programs.
“The proposed changes would expand eligibility to include students without immigration status,” the Biden-Harris administration’s proposed rule states.
Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) has voiced strong opposition to the proposal, arguing that it would disadvantage American citizens. “The Biden-Harris administration’s proposal would take college preparatory aid away from American citizens and give it to illegal aliens,” Banks stated. He called for immediate legislative action to counter the proposal, citing his American Students First Act, which aims to restrict taxpayer-funded programs to American citizens only.
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Chairwoman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, also criticized the proposed rule. She argued that it diverts essential resources away from low-income American students at a time when there are numerous pressing issues in the education sector. “There’s a laundry list of problems facing students and postsecondary education today: Costs are soaring, the FAFSA rollout has been butchered, anti-semitism is running rampant across college campuses, just to name a few,” Foxx stated. “But what is the Biden administration focused on? Siphoning resources away from low-income American citizens by stretching college-prep programs thin to cover illegal immigrants.”
This proposal comes amid the backdrop of the largest surge in illegal immigration in U.S. history, with over 10 million illegal crossings since the administration took office. An estimated 1.7 million illegal immigrants have evaded capture since January 2021. Public opinion surveys indicate growing support for reducing immigration and increasing deportations, highlighting illegal immigration as a critical issue for voters as the November election approaches.
