Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a prominent Democrat and rumored presidential contender, has signed a new law that expands access to student financial aid for all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status. The measure effectively allows undocumented immigrants living in the state to qualify for educational financial assistance.
The decision drew sharp criticism from Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., who condemned it as both a reward for illegal immigration and a “slap in the face” to Illinois families and students.
The legislation states that “a student who is an Illinois resident and who is not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid, including, but not limited to, a transgender student who is disqualified for failure to register for selective service or a noncitizen student who has not obtained lawful permanent residence, shall be eligible for financial aid and benefits.”
One of the bill’s sponsors, state Sen. Celina Villanueva, D-Ill., applauded the governor’s action, saying, “This law is about making sure no student is left behind because of where they were born.”
Her office described the measure as one that “eliminates the patchwork of confusing and sometimes conflicting requirements that have excluded undocumented, DACAmented, and mixed-status students from critical aid.” The law applies to any student residing in Illinois, making them eligible for financial aid provided or administered by the state, local governments, or public universities.
The statement from Villanueva’s office also emphasized that the law “builds upon Villanueva’s long-standing advocacy for immigrant and first-generation students by creating a more consistent and inclusive pathway to accessing support.”
“If you live in Illinois and are pursuing higher education, you should have access to the same opportunities as your peers,” Villanueva added. “Illinois invests in all of our students, and we’re committed to helping them succeed.”
Miller pushed back strongly against the move, telling Fox News Digital: “Allowing taxpayer-funded financial aid for illegal aliens is a slap in the face to hardworking Illinois families and students. Our state is drowning in debt, yet JB Pritzker is determined to drain even more taxpayer dollars to reward illegals. It’s absolutely shameful.”
A spokesperson for the Illinois GOP echoed those concerns, saying, “Once again, Governor Pritzker proves that he is prioritizing illegal immigrants at the expense of Illinois families. Illinois taxpayers should not have their hard-earned taxpayer dollars pay for benefits to illegal immigrants who shouldn’t be here in the first place.”
