The state of Minnesota and Democratic Governor Tim Walz are the targets of a high-profile lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding a contentious program that provides in-state tuition and state financial aid to undocumented immigrants pursuing higher education.

This week’s lawsuit is the most recent step in a larger federal crackdown on state-level initiatives that are thought to give preference to illegal immigrants over citizens of the United States. Following a similar DOJ victory in Texas and continuing legal action in Kentucky, the Trump administration is making a concerted effort to limit state-funded benefits for non-citizens and reassert federal immigration policy.

The Minnesota Dream Act v. DOJ lawsuit

The Minnesota Dream Act, a law passed in 2013 that grants undocumented immigrants in the state access to in-state college tuition and state financial aid—benefits normally only available to legal residents—is at the center of the legal dispute. Continues…