WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Pell for Americans Act, legislation to ensure taxpayer-funded Pell Grants are awarded only to U.S. citizens and nationals. Current law makes it possible for certain noncitizens, including some illegal aliens, to receive federal student aid.
The Pell for Americans Act utilizes the framework of H.R. 4262 — legislation introduced in 1994 by three Democrats — to ensure that taxpayer-funded Pell Grants are reserved for American students only.
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) added, “In 2026, Socialist-aligned Democrats fight harder for illegal aliens than their own constituents, but back in 1994, they led a bill that would ensure taxpayer-funded Pell Grants are reserved for American students only. American taxpayers have no business subsidizing the college tuition of foreign nationals, and three decades later, I’m proud to reintroduce this commonsense bill to put American students first.”
Key Provisions of the bill:
- Requires Pell Grant recipients to be citizens or nationals of the United States.
- Prevents other provisions of the federal law from extending Pell Grant eligibility to noncitizens.
- Maintains existing academic and program eligibility requirements for American students.
- Modeled after H.R. 4262, legislation introduced in the 103rd Congress by three Democrats.
Background:
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides taxpayer-funded financial assistance to undergraduate students with significant financial needs. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants generally do not need to be repaid.
Under current law, U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and certain eligible noncitizens may qualify for Pell Grants. Senator Banks’ legislation would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to limit Pell Grant eligibility to U.S. citizens and nationals.
Full bill text can be found here.
Breitbart Exclusive here.
