Story perspectives

Massachusetts AG Leads Lawsuit Against PSLF Restrictions

11/3/2025

Summary

Story summary

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, joined by 21 state AGs, sued the U.S. Department of Education under U.S. President Donald Trump over Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) restrictions finalized Oct. 31, 2025.
The rule disqualifies organizations deemed to engage in activities, including supporting undocumented immigrants or providing gender-affirming care.
Advocacy groups, including Protect Borrowers, challenge the rule as undermining PSLF's original intent and say it takes effect July 1, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Act, enacted in 2007, aimed to relieve student debt for public service workers, allowing forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments. However, ongoing legal challenges, including a recent lawsuit by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and 21 others, highlight tensions over eligibility criteria, potentially impacting access for marginalized communities amid rising student debt, which reached $1.6 trillion by 2020.

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Story summary

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, joined by 21 state AGs, sued the U.S. Department of Education under U.S. President Donald Trump over Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) restrictions finalized Oct. 31, 2025.
The rule disqualifies organizations deemed to engage in activities, including supporting undocumented immigrants or providing gender-affirming care.
Advocacy groups, including Protect Borrowers, challenge the rule as undermining PSLF's original intent and say it takes effect July 1, 2026.

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