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Yes.
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in May 2023 signed legislation that gives free public college tuition to Minnesota residents, including undocumented immigrants, whose families earn less than $80,000 per year.
The Walz claim was made by Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who represents most of northern Wisconsin, on Aug. 6, 2024. That day, Kamala Harris announced Walz as her vice presidential running mate.
A 2013 Minnesota law made all state financial aid available to undocumented immigrants, including new programs such as free tuition, according to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
Walz also signed legislation that makes undocumented Minnesota residents eligible for the state’s low-income health insurance program. They must pay premiums and other costs.
On other immigration issues, The New York Times reported, Walz signed legislation making undocumented immigrants eligible for Minnesota driver’s licenses; he supports a path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants, including “Dreamers” brought to the U.S. as children; and as a member of Congress, he voted for stricter screening of refugees, but changed his position when he ran for governor.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Minnesota Office of Higher Education: One Minnesota Bill Includes Historic Investments in Higher Education
Scripps News: Undocumented immigrants eligible for free college in Minnesota
Axios: Minnesota to provide free college tuition to undocumented students
MPR News: MinnesotaCare expands eligibility to Minnesotans with undocumented status
Minnesota Reformer: Minnesota to allow all undocumented residents to enroll in MinnesotaCare
New York Times: Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues
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