AZFEC: Trump Strikes Hard Against Arizona’s Taxpayer-Supported Tuition for Illegal Immigrants

By the Arizona Free Enterprise Club |

In November 2022, Arizona voters narrowly approved Proposition 308, marking the state as the 24th nationwide to provide taxpayer-subsidized in-state tuition rates to undocumented students. The measure’s passage followed a tight vote in the state legislature, facilitated by two former Republican legislators who sided with Democrats, leading to its advancement.

Post-approval, Prop. 308 received significant financial support from a coalition that included political figures, business leaders, and immigration advocacy groups, some of which are backed by George Soros. Notably, a few Republican officials, such as current Arizona gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson, also endorsed the initiative.

Proponents framed the measure as benefiting only “Dreamers,” or recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). However, the actual stipulations allow any undocumented individual who attends an Arizona high school for two years to qualify for in-state tuition. This effectively communicates that entering the U.S. illegally to access educational resources might result in taxpayer-funded university tuition.

Critics highlight a significant concern: the law appears to violate federal statutes, raising questions about its legality and implications for state and federal relations.