Senate Bill Would Strip Pell Grants From Lawful Immigrants

A newly introduced Senate bill (S. 5451) by Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) proposes to limit Pell Grant eligibility to U.S. citizens and nationals, potentially stripping up to $7,395 a year from permanent residents, refugees, and other eligible noncitizens who currently qualify. While federal student loans and work-study would remain accessible to them, the bill aims to narrow the definition of an eligible student under the Higher Education Act.