Bill > S3507

This bill, titled the "Put American Students First Act," aims to prevent individuals who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States from receiving in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. It clarifies that "in-state tuition rate" refers to the lower tuition and fees charged to residents of a state, while "lawfully admitted for permanent residence" has a specific legal definition. The bill mandates that public higher education institutions must verify the immigration status of all students seeking any "postsecondary education benefit," which includes tuition reductions, fee waivers, scholarships, grants, or other financial aid, using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. If an institution incorrectly grants in-state tuition to someone not lawfully admitted for permanent residence, they must seek reimbursement for the difference between in-state and out-of-state rates, plus interest, and can prohibit future enrollment until payment is made. Furthermore, states that violate these provisions could become ineligible for certain federal education grants, and public institutions must comply with these requirements to participate in federal student loan programs. The bill's provisions are intended to take effect for academic years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, and it includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the law is found unconstitutional, the rest of the law remains in effect.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3507/all-info