Private colleges and universities in Georgia could lose state funding if they declare themselves “sanctuary campuses” under legislation the state House approved Wednesday.

House Bill 37 would punish those schools that do not comply with state and federal immigration law. The bill passed 112-57 and now goes to the Senate.

Emory University previously had flirted with becoming a "sanctuary," to allow some undocumented immigrants to attend the DeKalb County university despite laws against it.

Emory receives tens of millions in state dollars each year for health services and tuition assistance grants.

Students could lose HOPE grants under the bill.

What Is A Sanctuary City?

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Fulton DA Fani Willis (center) with Nathan J. Wade (right), the special prosecutor she hired to manage the Trump case and had a romantic relationship with, at a news conference announcing charges against President-elect Donald Trump and others in Atlanta, Aug. 14, 2023. Georgia’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, upheld an appeals court's decision to disqualify Willis from the election interference case against Trump and his allies. (Kenny Holston/New York Times)

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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