Kansas Ends Tuition Break for Undocumented Students

0:00It's March 25th. Welcome to Kansas News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Kansas lawmakers just passed a bill ending in state tuition for undocumented immigrants at public colleges and universities. Senate Bill 254 also requires proof of citizenship or legal status for anyone seeking state or local benefits. The measure cleared the House 78 to 46 last Thursday and the Senate 22 to 18 on Tuesday, sending it to Governor Laura. Kelly for her decision. This policy has been in place since 2004, letting undocumented students who attended at least three years of high school in Kansas and graduated there qualify for lower in state rates. State data shows nearly 8,000 such students benefited from it between 2010 and 2024, as long as they were, pursuing legal residency. Opposition came from all Democrats and a handful of Republicans who called it unfair to kids, brought here young and raised in the state. Personal stories highlighted how out-of-state

1:00tuition prices would block college for many without federal aid forcing them into low-wage jobs or back to their birth countries. Attorney General Chris Kobach says that tuition perk has violated federal law for 22 years, warning of lawsuits like those the Trump. Administration filed against other states. Meanwhile, supporters argue it protects taxpayers, especially since 22 states still offer similar breaks. Now the bill faces a real test with a governor who could veto it easily since neither chamber has the votes to override. Lawmakers on both sides await her move amid debates over compassion, costs, and Kansas's future workforce.