(Washington, D.C.) – Local Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) have introduced the Putting American Students First Act.
The aim of the legislation is to prohibit the Department of Education from allowing illegal immigrants using taxpayer-funded college preparatory programs—the TRIO programs—intended for low-income Americans.
According to Houchin’s office, TRIO programs are federally funded outreach and support services designed to help this with low-incomes, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities succeed in higher education.
They provide academic tutoring, financial aid guidance, college prep, and mentoring to help participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education.
“It’s common sense to make sure those benefits go to citizens and legal residents, not individuals here illegally,” Houchin said. “The Putting American Students First Act protects taxpayer dollars and ensures our resources are focused on the students they were meant to serve.”
“Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for illegal immigrants’ college prep when many of our own citizens struggle to afford the same opportunities,” Banks said.
