The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey challenging laws that allow undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition rates and state financial aid at public colleges and universities.

The federal lawsuit alleges that New Jersey's policies discriminate against U.S. citizens and legal residents by providing educational benefits to individuals without legal immigration status while denying the same benefits to out-of-state citizens who pay higher tuition rates.

According to the DOJ's complaint, the state laws violate federal equal protection principles by creating a system where undocumented immigrants receive preferential treatment over American citizens from other states seeking higher education in New Jersey.

New Jersey is among several states that have enacted legislation extending in-state tuition benefits to undocumented immigrants, typically those who attended high school in the state for a specified period. Supporters of such policies argue they help students who have lived in communities for years access affordable higher education.

The lawsuit represents the latest federal challenge to state immigration-related policies and comes amid ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement and the rights of undocumented immigrants to receive government benefits and services.

State officials have not yet responded publicly to the federal lawsuit. The case will likely proceed through federal court, where judges will determine whether New Jersey's tuition policies comply with federal law and constitutional requirements.