Breaking News: A Win for Students and Immigrant Communities in Virginia

Yesterday, in a significant win for immigrant communities across Virginia, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia upheld the Virginia DREAM Act, which allows students who graduated from Virginia high schools and whose families pay Virginia taxes to qualify for in-state tuition, regardless of immigration status.

After the Trump administration sued Virginia over the Virginia DREAM Act on December 31, 2025, the Legal Aid Justice Center and the ACLU of Virginia filed an emergency motion to intervene on behalf of the Dream Project, whose mission supports thousands of Virginia students who benefit from the law. This motion was key to allowing the new Virginia state administration to step in and successfully defend the rights of students across the Commonwealth.

In the decision, the court granted the Commonwealth’s motion for summary judgment, rejecting each of the Trump administration’s arguments and making clear that Virginia’s law does not conflict with federal restrictions. We commend the Attorney General, Jay Jones, for his commitment to protect the Dream Act, and all Commonwealth laws, against any potential federal intrusion on Virginia’s sovereignty and existing rights. We have long believed that all students, immigrant students included, should have access to affordable higher education, and while we are heartened by this decision, we continue to stand ready to push back on any further efforts to prevent Virginia students from pursuing their dreams. 

Read the full text of the order here.