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PULSE POINTS
❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump’s Department of Education has revoked a Bill Clinton-era policy giving taxpayer funds to help pay for the education of illegal aliens.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, and illegal aliens.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made on July 10, and the policy will come into force on August 9.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Postsecondary education programs funded by the federal government should benefit American citizens, not illegal aliens.” – Linda McMahon.
🎯IMPACT: The change will save taxpayers from funding the education of illegal aliens.
IN FULL
The U.S. Department of Education has announced the rollback of a Bill Clinton-era policy that made certain federal education funds accessible to illegal immigrants enrolled in technical, career, and adult education programs.
The decision reverses a directive from the former Clinton administration, allowing non-citizens without legal status to benefit from federal funding for postsecondary education. According to the Trump administration, that interpretation was at odds with the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), a federal law that limits most public benefits to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
“Postsecondary education programs funded by the federal government should benefit American citizens, not illegal aliens,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Under President Trump’s leadership, hardworking American taxpayers will no longer foot the bill for illegal aliens to participate in our career, technical, or adult education programs or activities. The Department will ensure that taxpayer funds are reserved for citizens and individuals who have entered our country through legal means who meet federal eligibility criteria.”
Officials pointed to an executive order signed by President Trump on February 19, which reinforced the administration’s commitment to ending the use of federal funds for illegal immigrants. That order aligns with the PRWORA by emphasizing that federal benefits should be reserved for legal residents.
Beginning August 9, 2025, the Department will enforce the updated interpretation of the PRWORA. Federally funded postsecondary programs will be required to verify participants’ eligibility in accordance with the revised policy.
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