WASHINGTON, D.C, – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Representative Erin Houchin (IN-09) introduced the Putting American Students First Act. This bill prohibits the Department of Education from allowing illegal allies to access to a collection of taxpayer-funded college preparatory programs, the TRIO programs, intended for low-income Americans.
In 2022 and 2023, the Biden administration issued waivers for California and Oregon to bypass student eligibility requirements for the TRIO programs to allow illegal aliens to access the programs.
Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09) is leading this bill in the House.
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for illegal immigrants’ college prep when many of our own citizens struggle to afford the same opportunities.”
Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09): “TRIO programs are designed to help American students access higher education and build a better future. It’s common sense to make sure those benefits go to citizens and legal residents—not individuals here illegally. The Putting American Students First Act protects taxpayer dollars and ensures our resources are focused on the students they were meant to serve.”
Key Provisions of the Putting American Students First Act:
- Prohibits illegal aliens from participating in the TRIO program.
- Prohibits this restriction from being waived under any provision of law.
Full bill text can be found here.
Read more about the Putting American Students First Act here.
Background:
Then-Rep. Banks first introduced the bill in the 118th Congress as H.R. 8039 where it was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.