In brief
In a significant policy shift, newly appointed Attorney General Jay Jones has filed a motion to withdraw from a prior agreement made by former AG Jason Miyares, opposing the Trump administration's challenge against the Virginia Dream Act. This Act allows undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria to qualify for in-state tuition, reaffirming the rights of a demographic long integral to Virginia's community.
Days after taking office, Attorney General Jay Jones (D) is making waves by reversing his predecessor's stance on the Virginia Dream Act, which supports in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants.
On Wednesday, Jones filed a motion to withdraw from an agreement that former Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) made with the U.S. Department of Justice, which sought to invalidate the Virginia Dream Act. The DOJ initiated a lawsuit against the Commonwealth, opposing this legislation that permits undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition, claiming it discriminates against out-of-state U.S. citizens.
“On day one, I promised Virginians I would fight back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on our Commonwealth, our institutions of higher education, and most importantly – our students,” Jones stated through his office. He emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes the needs of Virginians, particularly vulnerable student populations.
The DOJ has remained silent on Jones’ latest action, citing the ongoing litigation. The Virginia Dream Act, enacted in 2020, awards in-state tuition to students who fulfill certain criteria, regardless of their immigration status. The law has been supported by various advocacy groups, including the Legal Aid Justice Center and the ACLU of Virginia, as essential for the community.
Rohmah Javed, director of the Immigrant Justice Program at the Legal Aid Justice Center, argued that these students are integral to Virginia and should not be punished for their immigration status. Jones’ decision provides an avenue of hope for families who have been investing in their children's futures based on the protections offered by the Dream Act.
The Trump administration's DOJ has targeted similar in-state tuition policies in states like Texas, California, and Illinois, demonstrating a broader pattern of opposition to immigrant rights.
This story exemplifies the tension surrounding educational access for undocumented immigrants and the ongoing dialogue about immigration and civil rights in the United States.
