Gov. Walz’s radical policies: Taxpayer dollars fund free college and driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants

ST. PAUL, MN - Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has recently implemented controversial policies that have ignited substantial debate. In 2023, Walz signed the "North Star Promise" program into law, which provides free college tuition for illegal immigrants attending Minnesota State and University of Minnesota institutions.

This program covers up to 120 credit hours of tuition for students from families with an annual income of less than $80,000. The funding for this initiative comes from state taxes and is designed to bridge the gap between other forms of financial aid and the total cost of tuition.

The North Star Promise program requires eligible students to fill out a Minnesota Dream Act application, as illegal students do not qualify for federal FAFSA aid. This program aims to support illegal students by covering their tuition costs after other scholarships and grants have been applied.

According to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, the program is intended to be a "last-dollar" scholarship, meaning it will pay any remaining tuition and fees after other financial aid has been exhausted.

Despite its goals, the program has faced significant criticism. Opponents argue that funding such initiatives with taxpayer dollars places an additional burden on state resources. They claim that the money allocated for the North Star Promise could be better spent on other essential services, such as public health and infrastructure. This criticism is heightened by the fact that the state’s budget must accommodate these new expenses while managing other financial commitments.

In addition to the tuition program, Walz has endorsed a law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. This measure, which also relies on taxpayer funding, is intended to ensure that all drivers on Minnesota roads are licensed and insured. Proponents argue that it will enhance road safety and help integrate illegal residents into the state’s legal and social systems. However, critics worry that the policy might strain state resources and potentially lead to increased insurance costs for all drivers.

Walz’s actions reflect his broader progressive stance on immigration and public services. Since becoming governor in 2019, he has advocated for several policies that extend benefits to illegal immigrants. This includes his support for Minnesota becoming a sanctuary state, a proposal that would limit local law enforcement’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Critics of Walz’s policies argue that these measures could undermine state resources and create legal and financial complications.

The scrutiny of Walz’s policies has intensified with his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate for the 2024 election. His record on immigration and other progressive policies has been closely examined, with opponents highlighting concerns about his past military service and his approach to immigration reform. Walz’s policies have become a focal point in discussions about the impact of progressive reforms on state finances and public services.

The North Star Promise program and the driver’s license law represent significant shifts in state policy, funded by taxpayer dollars. While these programs aim to support illegal immigrants and improve integration, they have sparked a debate about their potential impact on Minnesota’s financial stability and resource allocation. As these policies are put into effect, the conversation about their effectiveness and the strain on state resources will continue to be a key issue in Minnesota’s political landscape.