On July 16, 2026, the Department of Justice sued the state of Maryland, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents over the state’s policy allowing in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students. Under the Maryland Dream Act, signed into law in 2011, undocumented students can pay in-state tuition rates if they meet various criteria, including attending Maryland high school, graduating from a Maryland high school or received a Maryland GED, and enrolling at a Maryland public college within six years of graduating or receiving a GED. The Department of Justice claims Maryland is violating federal law and discriminating against U.S. citizens who reside outside the state by providing benefits to undocumented students while denying them to out-of-state U.S. citizens.  

Today, the Department of Justice sued to take away an opportunity from Maryland students who grew up here, graduated from school here, and are working to pursue something more for themselves, their families, and the communities in which they live. We are reviewing the complaint closely. We will respond through the courts, as we do whenever Maryland’s laws are challenged, and we will keep fighting for the young people in our state and their futures.Attorney General Anthony Brown