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119-hr-3913119th CongressWALLET

Putting American Students First Act

Sponsored By: Representative Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

Introduced

Summary

Would limit eligibility for Federal TRIO programs to U.S. nationals and specific lawful residents. The bill would add detailed citizenship and residency tests and would prohibit waivers that have been used to extend TRIO eligibility.

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  • Students and families: Students who are not U.S. nationals or who do not meet the listed lawful resident categories could lose access to TRIO services such as college prep, tutoring, and counseling.
  • Noncitizen groups: Eligible noncitizens would be narrowed to U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, certain aliens with evidence from DHS of intent to become permanent residents, citizens or lawful residents of the Freely Associated States, and certain Northern Mariana Islands residents.
  • Colleges and TRIO programs: Programs would need to verify applicants' immigration or residency status and would not be able to use statutory waivers or Performance Partnership Pilot authorities to admit additional participants.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Stricter citizenship rules for TRIO programs

If enacted, students in federally funded TRIO programs would need certain citizenship or residency status. You would qualify if you are a U.S. national or a lawful permanent resident. You could also qualify if you are here for more than a temporary purpose and can show DHS proof you plan to get a green card. Citizens of the Freely Associated States lawfully in the U.S., people with CNMI Resident status, and lawful residents of those States would also qualify. Agencies would not be allowed to waive these rules, including through Performance Partnership Pilots. Students without one of these statuses would not be eligible.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

IN • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9]

    AZ • R

    Sponsored 10/6/2026

  • Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 6/11/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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