Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) is reintroducing his “Putting American Students First Act” to ensure that illegal aliens cannot take advantage of taxpayer-funded college preparatory programs meant for low-income Americans.
“Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for illegal immigrants’ college prep when many of our own citizens struggle to afford the same opportunities,” Banks told Breitbart News.
The bill, which Banks introduced in the House last year, would prohibit the Department of Education from expanding college prep programs, known as TRIO programs, to illegal aliens.
Banks introduced the bill after former President Joe Biden allowed California and Oregon in 2022 and 2023 to bypass student eligibility requirements for the TRIO programs, which allowed illegal aliens to access such programs even though they are meant for low-income Americans.