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FIRST ON FOX: The Department of Justice sued Gov. Gavin Newsom over a California measure that gives illegal immigrants access to in-state tuition benefits, marking the third lawsuit in one week that the department has brought against the high-profile Democratic governor.
The lawsuit, brought in the Eastern District of California, alleged that California’s education code caused out-of-state U.S. citizens to pay higher tuition rates at California’s schools than people living in the country illegally.
The attorneys called it “unequal treatment” that was “squarely at odds” with federal law, which states that people unlawfully residing in the United States cannot be given tuition benefits based on residence that U.S. citizens are not also entitled to.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (AP Photo)
The DOJ has brought similar lawsuits in several other states, including Minnesota. That case was put on hold for weeks because of the government shutdown.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, an elected Democrat, has moved to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that the DOJ is not properly reading the federal laws and that U.S. citizens do indeed have the same benefits as undocumented immigrants.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom’s office for comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Ashley Oliver is a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, covering the Justice Department and legal affairs. Email story tips to ashley.oliver@fox.com.
