Federal Lawsuit Targets Minnesota’s Aid for Undocumented Students
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Minnesota and Governor Tim Walz over the Minnesota Dream Act, which gives undocumented immigrants access to in-state college tuition and state aid.

The DOJ claims this violates the Equal Protection Clause by offering better rates to undocumented residents than to U.S. citizens from other states.

Pam Bondi stated, “No state can be permitted to treat Americans as second-class citizens… by providing financial benefits to illegal aliens.” The DOJ added, “The extent of this discrimination against U.S. citizens is significant.”

Political and Legal Fallout
Governor Walz, who recently ran for vice president, defended the program, saying, “The country was not ready for the message we were promoting.” State Attorney General Keith Ellison is expected to lead the legal defense.

Part of a Broader Federal Push
The lawsuit aligns with Trump’s wider crackdown on state benefits for undocumented immigrants, following an executive order and a Supreme Court decision limiting nationwide injunctions.

Redefining Citizenship and Benefits
Analysts say these efforts signal a shift in who is considered eligible for public support—raising key questions about rights and citizenship in America.