A federal judge dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit challenging Minnesota’s higher-education policies that allow some undocumented students to access in-state tuition rates and state scholarship aid. The ruling held that Minnesota’s eligibility rules—tied to Minnesota high school attendance and graduation—did not conflict with federal preemption arguments advanced by the administration. The decision matters for state higher education policy implementation: it preserves a pathway for eligible undocumented students to receive North Star Promise Scholarship support that covers remaining tuition and fees at Minnesota public colleges after other aid. It also signals that federal challenges may face higher hurdles when state eligibility is not framed strictly as in-state residency. For university registrars and financial aid offices, the ruling is an immediate operational reminder to maintain eligibility documentation processes and to update guidance for affected students as litigation evolves.