DOJ renewed its legal campaign against state higher-education affordability policies for undocumented students, filing an appeal in Minnesota after a federal judge sided with the state. The Justice Department argued Minnesota’s in-state tuition and scholarship access violates federal law that restricts higher-education benefits tied to in-state residency when similar benefits are not available to all U.S. citizens. Minnesota officials countered that eligibility hinges on completing Minnesota high school requirements and meeting income criteria; the judge found federal immigration law did not preempt the state approach because benefits were effectively available to citizens and undocumented residents under parallel conditions. The appeal now moves to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and a separate DOJ lawsuit against New Jersey was also noted as part of a broader push that could affect public colleges’ tuition revenue planning and financial aid structures.