The "Put American Students First Act" amends federal law to explicitly prohibit public institutions of higher education from offering in-State tuition rates or any other postsecondary education benefits to individuals not lawfully admitted for permanent residence. This includes tuition reductions, fee waivers, scholarships, and grants provided by a state or its political subdivisions. The bill aims to prevent states from circumventing existing federal prohibitions that currently allow non-lawfully present aliens to receive subsidized education, which the bill's findings claim costs taxpayers over $1 billion annually and creates incentives for illegal immigration. To enforce this, the legislation requires all public institutions to annually verify the immigration status of students receiving any postsecondary education benefit using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program . If an institution provides an in-State rate in violation, it must seek reimbursement from the alien for the tuition difference plus interest, and non-payment will bar future enrollment. The bill applies to new enrollments and existing students identified as not lawfully admitted for permanent residence after verification, with an effective date for academic years beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Furthermore, the bill introduces significant enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance. States found to be in violation of these requirements will be disqualified from receiving certain federal grants under the Higher Education Act. Public institutions must also comply with these provisions to remain eligible for participation in the federal student loan program, ensuring broad adherence to the new regulations and prioritizing benefits for citizens and lawful permanent residents.