S. 2036 — Putting American Students First Act

This section establishes citizenship and residency requirements for individuals to participate in Federal TRIO programs (i.e., outreach and student services programs to assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities from middle school through postsecondary completion). Eligible individuals must be a U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, certain aliens physically present with evidence of intent to become permanent residents, citizens or lawful residents of Freely Associated States, or Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) residents with CNMI Resident status; such requirements may not be waived under specified appropriations acts or performance partnership pilot authorities. The section redesignates subsections (f) through (h) of section 402A of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as subsections (g) through (i), respectively, and makes conforming cross-reference amendments in sections 318(b), 371(c), 402E(g), and 402H of such Act.