Banks, Houchin to Introduce Legislation Blocking Taxpayer Funded College Prep for Illegal AliensThursday, June 12, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C,– Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Representative Erin Houchin (IN-09) introduced thePutting American Students First Act.This bill prohibits the Department of Education from allowing illegal allies to access to a collection of taxpayer-funded college preparatory programs, the TRIO programs, intended for low-income Americans.
In 2022 and 2023, the Biden administration issued waivers for California and Oregon to bypass student eligibility requirements for the TRIO programs to allow illegal aliens to access the programs.
Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09) is leading this bill in the House.
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.):“Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for illegal immigrants’ college prep when many of our own citizens struggle to afford the same opportunities.”
Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09):“TRIO programs are designed to help American students access higher education and build a better future. It’s common sense to make sure those benefits go to citizens and legal residents—not individuals here illegally. The Putting American Students First Act protects taxpayer dollars and ensures our resources are focused on the students they were meant to serve.”
Key Provisions of thePutting American Students First Act:
Full bill text can be foundhere.
Read more about thePutting American Students First Acthere.
Background:
Then-Rep. Banks first introduced the bill in the 118th Congress as H.R. 8039 where it was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.