Congresswoman Houchin Introduces Legislation Blocking Taxpayer-Funded College Prep for Illegal Aliens

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) and Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Putting American Students First Act. This bill prohibits the Department of Education from allowing illegal immigrants to access a collection of taxpayer-funded college preparatory programs—the TRIO programs—intended for low-income Americans.

TRIO programs are federally funded outreach and support services designed to help low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities succeed in higher education. They provide academic tutoring, financial aid guidance, college prep, and mentoring to help participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education. 

In 2022 and 2023, the Biden administration issued waivers for California and Oregon, allowing them to bypass student eligibility requirements for TRIO programs and permit illegal immigrants to access these federally funded services.

Rep. Erin Houchin: “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.”

Sen. Jim Banks: “Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for illegal immigrants’ college prep when many of our own citizens struggle to afford the same opportunities.”