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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State Rep. Mandi Ballinger, R-Canton — pictured being sworn in on the first day of the legislative session in January — was an advocate for children and survivors of domestic violence since she began serving in the State House of Representatives in 2012. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

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A native of Columbus and a fine arts graduate of Clark Atlanta, Amy Sherald was chosen as the official portrait artist of former first lady Michelle Obama. On the same week that the portrait was unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, it was also announced that Sherald was awarded the High Museum's 2018 David C. Driskell Prize. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Credit: Andrew Harnik