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Kentucky Judge Rules Against In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove ruled Kentucky cannot offer in-state tuition to undocumented students.
The ruling relies on a 1996 federal statute requiring benefits for illegal immigrants to be enacted by state law, not through administrative regulations.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman praised the decision as a win for fairness and law.
The ruling may influence similar in-state tuition policies in other states.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove ruled Kentucky cannot offer in-state tuition to undocumented students.
The ruling relies on a 1996 federal statute requiring benefits for illegal immigrants to be enacted by state law, not through administrative regulations.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman praised the decision as a win for fairness and law.
The ruling may influence similar in-state tuition policies in other states.