Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit on Minnesota's Tuition for Undocumented Students

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez dismissed the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit challenging Minnesota's in-state tuition policy for undocumented students.
Judge Menendez ruled the law applies to anyone who attended a Minnesota high school for three years, not just residents.
The ruling marks the administration's first defeat.
Other states have complied with similar tuition policies.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison praised the decision.

History

Historical Context

In 2013, Minnesota passed the Dream Act, allowing undocumented students to access in-state tuition, reflecting a broader trend in educational policy across the U.S. This law, supported by Governor Mark Dayton, aimed to enhance educational equity. Judge Katherine Menendez's recent ruling further solidifies this policy, aligning Minnesota with states like California and Texas, which have enacted similar measures to support undocumented students.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez dismissed the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit challenging Minnesota's in-state tuition policy for undocumented students.
Judge Menendez ruled the law applies to anyone who attended a Minnesota high school for three years, not just residents.
The ruling marks the administration's first defeat.
Other states have complied with similar tuition policies.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison praised the decision.

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