DOJ Files Lawsuits Against New York, Connecticut, and Vermont Over Tuition Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

The Justice Department filed lawsuits on August 10, 2026, against New York, Connecticut, and Vermont, alleging that these states unlawfully provide in-state tuition rates and financial benefits to illegal immigrants. The lawsuits aim to block state laws that allow individuals not lawfully present in the U.S. to receive in-state tuition based on residency, as well as financial aid and scholarships. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward stated that the states' actions violate federal law, which prohibits states from granting benefits to illegal immigrants unless U.S. citizens or nationals are eligible for the same benefits. The DOJ's position is that several Connecticut laws conflict with federal statutes, while Vermont laws that prevent discrimination based on immigration status are also being challenged. This filing adds to the DOJ's ongoing efforts, with a total of 17 states now facing lawsuits regarding similar policies. Previous lawsuits in Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Illinois have resulted in rulings against such state laws.