Emmer, House Republicans Pass “Ghost Student” Anti-Fraud Bill

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and House Republicans passed the No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026, legislation to stop fraud in student aid. The bill ensures only real students receive aid by establishing fraud detection systems to identify suspicious applications before aid is disbursed.

"Whether it's fraud through housing programs, autism centers, day cares, or our universities, criminals are abusing our public systems to scam taxpayers and harm vulnerable populations," said Congressman Emmer. "By combatting fraud in federal student aid, House Republicans are supporting future generations of students and giving those who truly need the aid the ability to receive it."

Background

"Ghost students" are fraudsters who use fake or stolen identities to enroll in higher education and pocket the federal financial aid they receive. This type of fraud has been rising in recent years, making this legislation all the more necessary.

In the 2024-2025 academic year alone, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system flagged more than 7,715 applications as "fraudulent" or "potentially fraudulent." The U.S. Department of Education has identified $90 million of payments that went to "ineligible recipients" nationwide.

In December 2025, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon sent a letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz regarding the inexcusable fraud that has taken place as a result of his negligence.

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