The Department of Education has revoked a rule that allowed illegal immigrants to access taxpayer funds for technical and career schools, The Daily Caller reported.
"Postsecondary education programs funded by the federal government should benefit American citizens, not illegal aliens," Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement."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."
She added, "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."
A previous executive order from President Donald Trump ended taxpayer subsidies for illegal immigrants.
The rule was originally enacted by then-President Bill Clinton in 1997, following the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act, a 1996 law which barred illegal immigrants from receiving health benefits. Clinton said postsecondary programs should be exempt from the rule.
But Trump's Department of Education disagreed, claiming Clinton "mischaracterized the law by creating artificial distinctions between federal benefit programs based upon the method of assistance," the Caller reported.
The Education Department will begin enforcing the rule next month.
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.