DOJ investigates College of DuPage over providing taxpayer funds to illegal immigrants

The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has launched an investigation into an Illinois college accused of providing taxpayer-funded support for illegal immigrants.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said in a letter that the department has received "troubling reports" indicating that the College of DuPage has been providing taxpayer funds for illegal immigrants and punishing students for speaking out against the matter.

The College of Dupage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois and receives federal funding.

"Reports allege that COD illegally provides public tax support for illegal aliens and unconstitutionally punishes students who speak out about this illicit practice. On its website, COD declares it is 'dedicated to providing resources' to illegal aliens and devotes the work of an 'Undocumented Student Liaison' to illegal aliens who are enrolled," AAG Dhillon wrote in a letter sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

"Additionally, COD provides a 'Frequently Asked Questions' section that appears designed to instruct readers on means to thwart immigration enforcement," the letter continues.

The college has been accused of violating the bipartisan Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), which prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining most taxpayer-funded benefits. This includes providing illegal aliens with alternate "Social Security" numbers to receive taxpayer benefits.

Furthermore, the letter alleges that the college appears to be violating 8 USC 1373 by providing information to staff and students on how to disrupt immigration enforcement action.

Earlier this year, the DOJ announced that federal funding would be pulled from any public institution that unlawfully provides aid to illegal immigrants.