Author

Ariana Figueroa

Ariana Figueroa

Ariana covers the nation's capital for States Newsroom. Her areas of coverage include politics and policy, lobbying, elections and campaign finance.

Millions enrolled in new student loan repayment program

By: - September 5, 2023

92,300 New Jerseyans are among those seeking repayment from the Biden administration's new student debt relief plan.

Here’s what to know about new federal policies for repaying student loans

By: - August 22, 2023

It’s estimated by the administration that more than 20 million student loan borrowers will benefit from a new income-driven repayment plan.

Afghan refugees who aided the U.S. stuck in legal limbo, two years after Kabul’s fall

By: - August 19, 2023

Legislation in Congress known as the Afghan Adjustment Act would allow Afghan refugees to apply for permanent legal residency after undergoing additional vetting, but it’s failed to advance.

Biden administration provides guidance on diversity in college admissions 

By: - August 15, 2023

In June, the Supreme Court ruled that the admissions processes at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

States seek to let teens as young as 14 serve booze in restaurants

By: - August 8, 2023

Labor organizers and legal experts worry that the easing of restrictions on serving alcohol can increase a teen’s risk of exposure to sexual harassment, especially in an industry where it’s pervasive. 

Court allows Biden rule limiting asylum at the border to be kept in place for now

By: - August 4, 2023

The decision aids the Biden administration, which argued that the rule is needed as an immigration enforcement policy after the end of Title 42.

More than 100 advocacy groups urge Congress to denounce anti-immigrant rhetoric

By: - August 3, 2023

The groups noted that dozens of lawmakers have referred to migrants as “invaders” or an “invasion,” invoking the great replacement theory.

Parents have no right to allow their children’s gender transition, Republicans say

By: - July 28, 2023

Thursday’s hearing reflects a broader trend: At least 21 Republican-led states have passed laws banning or restricting gender-affirming care for minors.

Decrying attempts to ‘bury history,’ Biden designates Emmett Till national monument

By: - July 26, 2023

Biden's move establishes 5.7 acres for the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument across three separate sites.

Public schools banned from sheltering migrants under bill passed by U.S. House

By: - July 20, 2023

Under the bill, public schools and public higher education institutions would risk losing federal funding if they provide shelter to migrants who have not been admitted into the country.

More than 800,000 student loan borrowers to have debt forgiven, White House announces

By: - July 14, 2023

The debt relief will come through fixes to mismanagement of the Department of Education's income-driven repayment plans.

Bipartisan health care bills target hospital billing, hidden fees

By: - July 11, 2023

The bill would require accurate billing practices by hospitals, price transparency and hidden fee disclosures.