Colleges Under ICE Scrutiny Offer Aid to Undocumented Students Amid Immigration Crackdown

Colleges Under ICE Scrutiny Offer Aid to Undocumented Students Amid Immigration Crackdown

Several U.S. colleges targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, have provided significant financial aid to undocumented immigrants. Under the current political climate, which intensified following the Trump administration’s directives, this has raised eyebrows among lawmakers and sparked significant debates.

On the very first day of President Donald Trump’s administration, the Department of Homeland Security issued a directive allowing immigration enforcement to operate on college campuses. This directive enabled ICE officials to detain several students accused of violating immigration laws.

Recently, Tufts University student Rumeysa Öztürk found herself in the grips of ICE in Somerville, Massachusetts, after her visa was revoked. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Öztürk was initially granted her visa, allowing her to reside in the United States legally.

However, a spokesperson for the Department claimed, following an investigation, that Öztürk had engaged in activities supporting Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization.

VIDEO SHOWS ARREST OF TUFTS UNIVERSITY STUDENT WITH ALLEGED TIES TO TERRORISM

Tufts University openly states on its website that undocumented students and those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status can receive financial support covering their full demonstrated need. This practice is a clear draw for many students from undocumented backgrounds.

The statement on Tufts’ website highlights their commitment to meeting the financial needs of all admitted students, irrespective of their citizenship status.

Moreover, estimates from the American Immigration Council indicate that over 408,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in colleges and universities across the United States.

Republican Representative Burgess Owens from Utah recently voiced concerns about the practice of colleges fostering an environment for undocumented students. He suggested that this has gone on for far too long and urged for a reassessment of federal funding for institutions that do not prioritize legal citizenship.

Owens remarked that it is time to hold colleges accountable, expressing a need to withhold federal funds to ensure compliance with immigration policies. His statements reflect a growing frustration among some lawmakers regarding the handling of undocumented students in higher education.

The Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism announced it is currently reviewing contracts worth $255.6 million between the federal government and Harvard University concerning its policies on undocumented students.

COLUMBIA GRADS SHRED DIPLOMAS OVER MAHMOUD KHALIL’S ARREST

In another high-profile case, Mahmoud Khalil, a student who played a leadership role in anti-Israel protests, faced arrest by ICE agents in New York City earlier this year. The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Khalil was connected to Hamas-related activities, which raised serious concerns regarding his immigration status.

Khalil’s background reveals that he was born in Syria and arrived in the U.S. in 2022, becoming a permanent resident just two years later. However, court filings suggest that he misrepresented his immigration status during his application process.

Among the allegations is a claim that he failed to disclose his ties to certain organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. This agency recently faced significant backlash after accusations surfaced that its employees participated in the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel.

Khalil served as a UNRWA political officer from June to November 2023, highlighting a potential conflict between his political activities and his immigration status.

On its part, Columbia University maintains a policy of meeting the full financial needs of admitted students, regardless of citizenship status. This policy has led to an influx of international students, many of whom receive financial aid to cover their educational expenses.

In comments to the media, Owens expressed approval of the Trump administration’s measures to address cases like those of Öztürk and Khalil. He believes that a thorough examination of student admissions and related immigration statuses is essential for maintaining campus safety.

We must ensure that our universities remain spaces for genuine academic pursuit, rather than platforms for those looking to disturb or undermine our national values, Owens stated.

As the debate unfolds, the commitment of colleges to support undocumented students continues to be a polarizing issue, sparking concern and advocacy across political lines. Many argue for the importance of an open educational environment, while others call for stricter adherence to immigration laws.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Tufts University and Columbia University seeking their responses regarding recent immigration enforcement actions impacting their student populations.

Contributions to this report were made by Fox News’ Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Peter D’Abrosca.

The Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Policies in Education

The discourse surrounding immigration enforcement on college campuses is far from settled. As political pressures mount, the future of undocumented students in higher education hangs in the balance.

Educational institutions must navigate the complex landscape of supporting students while adhering to federal immigration regulations. This ongoing struggle will undoubtedly shape the nature of college admissions and financial aid policies in the years to come.