Twenty‑two states, plus the District of Columbia, have filed suit against the federal government over a $6.8 billion freeze on education grants, $939 million of which was earmarked for California. The states claim federal overreach for halting funds intended for adult education, after‑school programs, and ELL (English Language Learner) services.
According to the lawsuit, some of this money was redirected by the Trump administration to block what it described as “radical left-wing” priorities, programs benefiting illegal immigrants, LGBTQ advocacy events, and DEI initiatives. California’s Attorney General called the freeze “arbitrary and capricious” and warned that the funding cuts threaten vital support for migrant education and English learner programs.
Federal law prohibits taxpayer funds from subsidizing undocumented immigrants in adult education programs under PRWORA. In response, the Trump Administration rescinded a 1997 Clinton‐era directive to enforce this law and clarified that Pell Grants, federal loans, and career and adult education aid would no longer go to those without legal status.
Supporters of the freeze argue that federal aid must prioritize American citizens and legal residents, not illegal immigrants. They claim states pivoted to use education grants to fill gaps in ELL funding for undocumented individuals—an improper use of taxpayer dollars.
Opponents contend most English learners are U.S.-born, and halting Title III grants would hurt millions of lawful students from linguistic and economic disadvantage. Educational groups in California warn the cuts threaten teacher training, literacy efforts, tutoring support, and summer programs for vulnerable children.
Despite positive and negative feedback, President Trump cut the funding as part of his promise to put Americans first and stop taxpayer money from going to illegal immigrants. The administration made clear that federal dollars will not support education programs for those in the country illegally.
