Trump Cancels College Tuition Aid for Aliens, Backing Gubernatorial Hopeful Robson

By Staff Reporter |

In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order abolishing in-state college tuition for undocumented immigrants, a move that directly challenges the 2022 Proposition 308 endorsed by Republican gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson.

Robson previously supported this proposition, which aimed to extend in-state tuition rates to individuals protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, commonly known as “Dreamers.” Her advocacy included participating in a campaign commercial, emphasizing the potential economic benefits of retaining skilled workers in Arizona. “It will improve Arizona’s economy by keeping skilled workers here without any tax increase,” Robson stated.

Moreover, she co-signed a letter with over 50 Arizona Republican leaders, highlighting the importance of immigrants as integral contributors to the state’s workforce. Despite initial support, Proposition 308 narrowly passed, boosted by significant financial contributions from outside the state.

Trump’s new executive order asserts that such policies create unequal treatment between American citizens and undocumented individuals. It directs Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to take action against state laws like Proposition 308, arguing they may violate federal law.

The directive aims to halt the enforcement of regulations that prioritize undocumented individuals in educational benefits over American citizens. The Attorney General is tasked with identifying any such laws that are unlawful or preempted by federal standards.

Interestingly, Trump has endorsed both Robson and her primary rival, Congressman Andy Biggs. However, Robson’s political standing faced scrutiny from Arizona’s GOP leadership, prompting her to resign from her lobbying position earlier this year.

In response to Trump’s order, Biggs voiced his support for terminating in-state tuition benefits for Dreamers, aligning with legislation sponsored by Congressman Paul Gosar aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from receiving benefits exclusive to U.S. citizens. “President Trump is right—U.S. citizens shouldn’t pay more for college tuition than illegal aliens,” Biggs remarked.

Arizona’s policy on in-state tuition has drawn criticism for increasing the influence of dark money in state politics, particularly in scholarship programs within the state’s universities. This situation is not unique to Arizona; many states, including California and Texas, also allow undocumented residents to access in-state tuition rates.