In Inside Higher Ed, journalist Sara Weissman reports on a new executive order by President Trump targeting sanctuary cities and state policies that allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. The order does not explicitly revoke funding but threatens action against jurisdictions that provide benefits to undocumented immigrants, including tuition breaks.
Gaby Pacheco, president and CEO of TheDream.US, emphasizes the dire consequences for undocumented students—many of whom come from low-income families—and urges state and institutional leaders not to panic or make sudden policy changes. Legal experts echo that the executive order’s vague language lacks enforceable power, but fear it may provoke pre-emptive policy rollbacks. Advocates stress the need to defend these policies, which have repeatedly held up in court.
“For many, it’s just impossible for them to be able to come up with that money.”
— Gaby Pacheco, President & CEO of TheDream.US
This executive order is a warning shot, but not law. Let’s not create panic or discrimination based on fear. We must defend in-state tuition for all students.
To read the full article by Sara Weissman, visit: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2025/05/02/trump-order-targets-undocumented-students-state