The U.S. federal judge has delayed the implementation of a new policy by the Trump administration aimed at cutting off thousands of government workers from participating in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programme, finding that the policy is over its legal authority and that it infringes upon constitutional protections.
A coalition of Democratic-led states, cities and nonprofit groups, accusing the U.S. Department of Education of illegally trying to redefine who is covered by the loan forgiveness program, prevailed in a Boston U.S. District Court case last month.
Also read: Thousands Rally Across South Africa, Demand Deportation of Illegal Migrants
The ruling by the administration to block the changes, which were supposed to go into effect July 1, was based on their interpretation of the “substantial illegal purpose” provision of the rule. The policy went after businesses that promoted immigration, gender health and other issues that clashed with the Trump administration.
Under Judge Joun’s ruling, the Education Department did not have the legal authority to reword the criteria Congress set out in the PSLF programme.
He further believed that the restriction infringed upon the First Amendment, which he felt was discriminating against organizations based on their ideas and actions.
Also read: UK to Charge Asylum Seekers £10,000 Before Permanent Settlement Applications
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programme was established by Congress in 2007, so it grants borrowers who work for government agencies and certain non-profit organisations the opportunity to have their remaining student loans forgiven after making 120 monthly payments for 10 years while working for government or nonprofit organisations that are qualified under the PSLF programme.
Over a million Americans have obtained debt relief under the programme ever since its launch.
Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the lawsuit is supported by 22 states and other states run by advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations.
James was grateful for that decision and said it was a win for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders and other public servants that depend on the programme.
Also read: The Governance Translator: Connecting Policy To People – Femi Gbajabiamila
The decision is another legal setback to President Donald Trump’s push to try and redefine federal educational policy through presidential actions.
The administration is likely to challenge that ruling but, in the meantime, that ruling will hold up the new restrictions until it is finalized.
