Blue city funds immigrant activist program with taxpayer dollars, critics say it 'shuts citizens out'

DOJ sues 3 states over illegal immigrant college tuition benefits

Fox News correspondent David Spunt reports on the Justice Department’s lawsuits challenging laws in Vermont, Connecticut and New York that allegedly prioritize tuition benefits for illegal immigrants living in the United States over American citizens on ‘Special Report.’

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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration is offering taxpayer-funded scholarships for an activist program while limiting participation to immigrants, including non-U.S. citizens, a requirement that has drawn criticism online.

The Immigrants Lead Boston program, run by the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement, is designed for "emerging leaders" interested in advocating for Boston’s immigrant communities. Participants meet city officials and receive training aimed at helping them engage with local government and organize within their communities during the 10-week program.

Critics have seized on both the taxpayer funding and the eligibility requirements, arguing that U.S.-born residents are excluded from a city-backed leadership program whose participants can receive a $575 scholarship.

"That is not charity. That is a political pipeline built to shut citizens out of their own city," one user wrote on X.

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Mayor Wu speaks as the Mayor and City leaders hold a press conference on violence and drug use in DTC on February 26. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald via getty images)

"Paying illegal immigrants to learn political organizing to protest against the country they're in," one person wrote on X.

"For starters it sounds like discrimination," posted a user.

"Michelle WU is a communist who probably wants a American version of China," a person wrote taking shots at the Boston mayor.

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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu ordered the release of ICE body cam and surveillance footage, accusing federal agents of unconstitutional actions and pledging transparency and accountability. (Getty Images)

"Is this legal," asked one user.

"Illegal aliens have broken our laws. Any assistance given them other than assistance to leave the country, simply rewards their unlawful behavior, encourages other unlawful behavior, and more illegals to follow their lead," one person posted.

Similar taxpayer-backed benefits for immigrants have surfaced in other Democratic-led states, particularly in higher education.

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Boston Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu speaks as nurses picket outside of Boston Medical Center for a new contract that offers better pay and safer working conditions on July 22, 2026. (Joseph Prezioso/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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New York, Connecticut and Vermont have offered in-state tuition or other financial benefits to immigrants in the country illegally, while Oregon and Washington have provided access to benefits such as state grants or student loans. California has also allowed qualifying students in the country illegally to apply for state financial aid.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Wu’s office for comment.