Federal Investigation Targets University of Nevada Program Helping Illegal Immigrants
What’s Going On
The U.S. Department of Justice just sent a warning letter to Nevada’s education secretary. They’re looking into a program at the University of Nevada, Reno that appears to be helping people who entered the country illegally get taxpayer-funded benefits.
The letter, dated September 26, 2025, comes from the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. It’s signed by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and Acting U.S. Attorney for Nevada, Sonal Chattah. They’re not happy about what they found.
The Problem
Here’s the issue in plain English. UNR runs something called the UndocuPack office. According to the DOJ, this office is steering illegal immigrants toward financial aid, scholarships, and career opportunities. They’re even helping these individuals get Social Security numbers.
Think about it this way. You work hard, pay your taxes, and those dollars go to help fund state universities. Now imagine finding out that money is going to help people who broke the law to get here in the first place. That’s what has conservatives upset.
The letter mentions that UndocuPack director Janet Najera, who is also a doctoral student at UNR, told someone at a September 16 forum that the program’s goal is “to grow the program and provide more support” to illegal aliens.
Former Governor Now Under Scrutiny
The letter was copied to Brian Sandoval, who is currently President of the University of Nevada, Reno. Sandoval served as Governor of Nevada before taking his current position at UNR. The DOJ is putting him on notice that this program is operating under his watch as university president.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon didn’t mince words on social media. She posted:
“Your government at work! Our tax dollars should benefit law-abiding citizens, not reward illegal immigrants.”
That’s pretty direct. Dhillon, who heads the Civil Rights Division at the DOJ, is making it clear where the federal government stands on this issue.
Part of a Bigger Crackdown
The timing here is important. This letter was released on the same day the DOJ signed a memorandum of understanding with Governor Joe Lombardo. That agreement criticized Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford and his immigration policies.
It looks like the federal government is sending a message to Nevada. They’re calling out what they see as bad actors on immigration issues across the state. This isn’t just about one university program. It’s about how the entire state handles immigration enforcement.
Why It Matters to Conservatives
This hits at the core of what limited government folks believe. Your tax dollars should go to citizens and legal residents. Period.
There’s actually a federal law about this. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 says illegal aliens can’t get most taxpayer-funded benefits. The whole point was to make sure public resources stay inside our borders for people who are here legally.
When a public university uses state and federal funds to help people who shouldn’t be getting those benefits, it’s not just breaking the rules. It’s also unfair to American students who are competing for the same scholarships and aid. Those kids and their families followed the rules. They shouldn’t have to compete with people who didn’t.
Where This Goes Next
The DOJ says they’re referring this matter to the Department of Education to investigate whether UNR is breaking federal law. That could mean serious consequences for the university, including losing federal funding.
If the investigation finds violations, UNR could face penalties. Other universities running similar programs might get investigated too. This could set a precedent nationwide.
The coordinated action against both the UNR program and Attorney General Ford’s policies suggests the federal government is taking a comprehensive approach to immigration enforcement in Nevada. More investigations could be coming.
What Conservatives Can Do
First, stay informed. Watch how this investigation unfolds. Contact your representatives in Congress and tell them you support enforcing existing immigration laws.
Second, look into what’s happening at your local universities. Are they running similar programs? If so, ask questions. Attend school board or university regent meetings. Make your voice heard.
Finally, remember that this isn’t about being mean to anyone. It’s about fairness. It’s about making sure that limited government resources go to the people they’re supposed to serve. American citizens and legal residents who followed the rules deserve that much.
The bottom line is simple. When universities use your tax dollars to subsidize illegal immigration, they’re working against the principles of limited government and the rule of law. That’s something worth fighting against.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
