Trump and his administration are not playing games.
Kentucky just slammed the door on in-state tuition for illegal immigrants—thanks to President Trump’s Justice Department and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Trump-Era Lawsuit Forces Kentucky to Back Down
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (KCPE) quietly agreed to end the practice after facing a federal lawsuit. Attorney General Russell Coleman told Fox News Digital the policy change came only after the Trump administration stepped in and forced the issue.
The lawsuit cited federal law that clearly states illegal immigrants are not eligible for taxpayer-funded benefits such as in-state tuition—unless those same benefits are available to all U.S. citizens nationwide.
“Nonsensical” Policy Exposed
Coleman blasted Kentucky’s higher education officials for creating a policy that gave illegal immigrants an incentive to choose Kentucky over other states. He called it “nonsensical,” adding that American families were effectively being treated like second-class citizens in their own country.
Pam Bondi was blunt: “No state can be allowed to treat Americans like second-class citizens by offering financial benefits to illegal aliens.”
Governor Beshear’s Fingerprints All Over It
Democrat Governor Andy Beshear tried to distance himself, claiming KCPE is independent. But Coleman pointed out that Beshear appointed most of its members. “He’ll take credit when it’s convenient, but walk away when the policy blows up,” Coleman said.
Trump’s Team Restores Common Sense
The agreement still requires a federal judge’s signature, but Coleman said that’s only a formality. He praised the outcome but warned it never should have taken a Trump-led lawsuit to force compliance with the law.
“Our universities should be attracting America’s best and brightest,” Coleman said. “Not giving taxpayer incentives to those here illegally.”
More States Could Face Crackdown
Bondi signaled the fight isn’t over. More than a dozen other states still allow in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. Coleman said he supports continuing the crackdown, just as the Trump administration has pushed for protecting girls’ sports and enforcing border security.
“This is about restoring common sense,” Coleman concluded. “It’s about putting Americans first—exactly what the law requires.”