The Department of Justice announced on Thursday that it filed a complaint against New Jersey laws for allowing illegal immigrants to receive in-state rates for college tuition as well as other financial assistance related to higher education. The DOJ contended that doing so “rewarded” illegal immigrants with financial benefits at the expense of U.S. citizens.

“These laws unconstitutionally discriminate against U.S. citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates, scholarships, or subsidies, create incentives for illegal immigration, and reward illegal immigrants with benefits that U.S. citizens are not eligible for, all in direct conflict with federal law,” read a release issued by the Justice Department.