Being enrolled in a college does not free you from the legal obligation to become domiciled.

In this quote, Kris Kobach emphasizes that being enrolled in a college does not exempt an individual from the legal obligation to establish domicile in a specific location. The concept of domicile refers to the legal residence or permanent home of an individual, which is an important factor in determining various rights, such as voting, taxation, and eligibility for certain benefits. Kobach is asserting that despite being a student in a college, individuals must still comply with legal requirements related to their residence status.

Kobach’s statement likely addresses the issue of out-of-state students who may claim to be residents of a state for the purposes of in-state tuition rates or other legal benefits. He argues that simply attending a college in a state does not automatically grant someone the legal status of being a domiciled resident of that state. Establishing domicile typically requires meeting certain legal criteria, such as living in the state for a set period, demonstrating intent to stay long-term, or taking certain steps that reflect an intention to make that state one’s primary home.

The quote reflects Kobach’s focus on immigration and legal residency issues, particularly in the context of individuals trying to navigate state laws for benefits like in-state tuition or voting rights. His comment suggests that there is a legal distinction between being physically present in a state, such as for college, and legally being considered a resident with the associated rights and obligations.

Ultimately, Kobach’s quote underscores the importance of legal residence and domicile in determining an individual’s rights and obligations under state and federal law. It serves as a reminder that legal criteria must be met to establish residency, and being enrolled in a college does not automatically fulfill those legal requirements.