Boston immigrant activist program funded by taxpayers limits participation to immigrants The Immigrants Lead Boston program, run by Mayor Michelle Wu's Office for Immigrant Advancement, offers a $575 scholarship to participants but excludes U.S.-born residents, sparking criticism online. 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. The requirement has drawn criticism online. The Immigrants Lead Boston program is run by the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement. It 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. The program lasts 10 weeks.Criticism of Boston Immigrant ProgramCritics have seized on both the taxpayer funding and the eligibility requirements. They argue that U.S.-born residents are excluded from a city-backed leadership program whose participants can receive a $575 scholarship. One user wrote on X: That is not charity. That is a political pipeline built to shut citizens out of their own city.Another user asked: Is this legal. Another critic wrote: 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. Mayor Wu has also ordered the release of ICE body cam and surveillance footage.She accused federal agents of unconstitutional actions and pledged transparency and accountability. Separately, the Trump Justice Department is suing three states over illegal immigrant college tuition benefits. Fox News correspondent David Spunt reported on the lawsuits challenging laws in Vermont, Connecticut and New York. The lawsuits allege the states prioritize tuition benefits for illegal immigrants living in the United States over American citizens.National Debate on Immigrant TuitionThe report aired on Special Report. Nebraska ended in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrants under a DOJ deal. Other states have taken different approaches to benefits for immigrants in the country illegally. 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. Boston has previously drawn attention for programs targeting migrant groups. The city announced it would give LGBTQ+ migrants vouchers for yoga, meditation and creative healing. The Immigrants Lead Boston program continues to accept participants while critics question its funding and eligibility rules.The debate reflects broader national tensions over immigration benefits and taxpayer spending.