Putting American Students First Act

HR 3913, the "Putting American Students First Act," amends the Higher Education Act to establish specific eligibility requirements for Federal TRIO programs. It requires participants to be U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, certain aliens with intent to become permanent residents, citizens of Freely Associated States, CNMI residents under specific compacts, or lawful residents of Freely Associated States. The bill explicitly prohibits waiving these requirements under any current or future appropriations laws or performance partnership pilot authorities. This change directly affects students seeking TRIO program support, which assists low-income, first-generation, and disabled college students. The policy alters who qualifies for these federally funded educational support programs.