On Thursday, the Trump administration pulled the plug on a 27-year-old Clinton-era rule that allowed illegal immigrants to get taxpayer-funded tuition at technical and career schools.
That means starting August 9, 2025, folks in the country illegally won’t be getting a free ride from American taxpayers to attend vocational training.
The move is part of a bigger effort by President Trump to clean up who gets access to government programs – and to make sure those benefits go to citizens and legal residents, not people who crossed the border illegally.
“This is common sense,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon in a statement. “We’re simply following the law. Federal benefits should go to Americans.”
No More Food Stamps, No More Free College
The Department of Education’s tuition move wasn’t the only big announcement.
On the same day, the Trump administration also rolled out a set of new rules cutting off access to federal welfare programs for illegal immigrants. That includes things like:
- Food stamps (SNAP)
- Head Start (free preschool)
- Title X family planning programs
- Homelessness assistance
- Substance abuse treatment funds
- Federal aid for college
For Nevadans fed up with Washington wasting money while our own communities struggle, this is a welcome change.
Just ask someone in Pahrump trying to get their kid into a decent trade program. Or a struggling family in East Las Vegas who’s working hard but gets told there’s “no funding” while benefits are handed out to non-citizens.
It’s not fair, and folks know it.
A Long Time Coming
This isn’t the first time Trump has taken aim at these kinds of policies.
This latest round of changes builds on that same theme: Put Americans first. Stop using taxpayer dollars to fund left-wing experiments or handouts for people who aren’t even supposed to be here.
The Department of Education said it’s just following the 1996 law signed by President Clinton himself – yes, the same administration that created the loophole in the first place.
That law, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, was meant to keep federal benefits limited to U.S. citizens and legal residents.
So, in a sense, Trump is simply enforcing what was already on the books.
Nevada Reactions
In Nevada, where immigration and public assistance are hot-button issues, the reaction has been mixed – but mostly positive on the right.
State Assemblyman Ken Gray (R-Dayton) praised the decision on social media, writing:
“Finally, the feds are putting Americans first. Every dollar spent on someone here illegally is a dollar not spent on our veterans, seniors, or struggling families.”
Democrats, on the other hand, are already attacking the move.
Some say it’s cruel. Others claim it’ll hurt children in mixed-status households. And groups like the ACLU are threatening lawsuits.
But Trump’s team isn’t backing down.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X: “Trump’s Education Dept Ends Free Tuition For Illegals,” linking to the Daily Caller story that broke the news.
The Bigger Picture
With the border still a mess and the welfare system stretched thin, moves like this are striking a chord with everyday Americans.
Most people believe in helping those in need – but they also believe in rules, fairness, and putting citizens first.
Poll after poll shows a majority of Americans support requiring proof of citizenship to access federal benefits.
And with a record number of illegal crossings under the previous administration, Trump is making it clear: If you come here illegally, don’t expect a handout.
For Nevada families who follow the rules and pay their taxes, this feels like a step in the right direction.
Finally.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
