Trump Moves to Eliminate College Tuition for Aliens with Support from Gubernatorial Hopeful Robson

By Staff Reporter |

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at terminating in-state college tuition benefits for non-citizens. This move impacts a policy previously supported by Republican gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson.

Robson championed Proposition 308 in 2022, which allowed in-state tuition rates for undocumented immigrants safeguarded by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, often known as “Dreamers.” She featured prominently in a campaign for the proposition, asserting that these individuals significantly contribute to Arizona’s economy.

“It will improve Arizona’s economy by keeping skilled workers here in Arizona – kids we’ve already invested in for years, with zero tax increase,” Robson stated during her campaign.

Robson, along with over 50 Arizona Republican leaders, also signed a letter supporting the inclusion of Dreamers as essential workforce members. Despite the narrow passage of Proposition 308, it faced criticism due to substantial contributions from out-of-state funding sources.

Trump’s executive order argues that such policies unjustly favor non-citizens over American citizens. He tasked Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem with identifying and halting laws that preferentially benefit non-citizens, particularly those that conflict with federal regulations.

The directive includes a call to action against state laws that provide in-state tuition to undocumented individuals without offering similar benefits to out-of-state American citizens. This move aligns with Trump’s broader stance on immigration reform.

Interestingly, Trump endorsed both Robson and her rival in the Republican primary, Congressman Andy Biggs. However, Robson’s endorsement came prior to Biggs announcing his candidacy. Following increased opposition from Arizona’s Republican leadership, Robson opted to unregister as a lobbyist earlier this year.

In response to Trump’s order, Biggs supported the termination of in-state tuition for Dreamers. He has backed legislation designed to prevent non-citizens from receiving benefits restricted to U.S. citizens.

“President Trump is right – U.S. citizens shouldn’t pay more for college tuition than illegal aliens,” Biggs remarked, echoing the sentiment of securing border integrity and reforming policies that encourage illegal immigration.

Arizona’s decision to offer in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants has drawn attention to the role of dark money funding in local scholarship programs, raising concerns over transparency and influence.

Arizona isn’t alone in granting these privileges; numerous states and the District of Columbia allow non-citizens to access in-state tuition for public higher education institutions. These include states such as California, Texas, and New York, highlighting a broader national debate on immigration and education policy.