The U.S. Department of Justice escalated its legal fight against Minnesota’s in-state tuition policies for eligible undocumented students by appealing a federal judge’s March decision. The case now moves to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, continuing DOJ’s strategy of challenging state affordability policies under federal restraints. Minnesota’s framework allows undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition if they attended a Minnesota high school for three years, graduated in the state, and meet income requirements for additional aid. Minnesota officials argued the policy also benefits students who are citizens, including out-of-state residents who attended a Minnesota boarding school. DOJ has also sued other states over similar provisions, and the Minnesota appeal adds pressure on institutions and state aid administrators tracking how tuition eligibility rules may shift for undocumented students.