Parents in Illinois are expressing outrage over a recent law signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, which expands student financial aid eligibility to undocumented immigrants.
Michelle Cunney, an Illinois mother and local leader of the Parents’ Rights in Education chapter, described the law as a “nightmare” in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“To be honest, it’s terrifying that not only are we having to pay for this, as tax-paying citizens … but also, as parents, not knowing how it will truly affect our children and their education,” Cunney explained.
She argued that under Pritzker’s leadership, “the children who are not here legally will get … more of a chance and an opportunity to get scholarships and everything than our children, because to Pritzker, and so many others, we are not important. We are not anything other than money.”
Earlier this month, Pritzker—who is rumored to be considering a 2028 Democratic presidential run—signed a bill into law granting student financial aid to all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status. This measure opens a pathway for undocumented immigrants in the state to receive educational financial benefits.
The legislation aims to establish “equitable eligibility for financial aid and benefits” for all students in Illinois. It 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.”
While the bill frames its purpose around equity, Cunney contended that it reflects a broader trend of Illinois Democrats prioritizing noncitizen students over American students. She also accused Pritzker of placing his political ambitions and feud with President Donald Trump above the interests of Illinois families.
Cunney noted that some public schools have reportedly adjusted testing standards in ways that favor children of undocumented immigrants.
“Because of that, it’s kind of triggered a switch in the way they look at grading, because now they’re saying children who are not American citizens have more potential than our children,” she said.
“Honestly, most of the parents are not okay with this,” Cunney added. “They do not support him.”
She said parents have expressed alarm over the law and worry about the consequences of having a governor who, in their view, is failing Illinois, potentially seeking higher office.
“Can you imagine what he could do as president? He’s destroyed our state; he would destroy everything if he had the opportunity,” she said.
A spokesperson for Pritzker’s office told Fox News Digital that “Illinois has always recognized how immigrants help power our economy, strengthen our workforce, and contribute over $1.5 billion in tax revenue.”
The spokesperson continued, “Instead of proposing real solutions like comprehensive immigration reform or student loan relief, Republicans are slamming a bill focused on making it easier for students to access local scholarships.”
“Illinois is focused on creating consistent and inclusive pathways for immigrants and first-generation students to access support and contribute to our state,” the statement concluded.
Suzanne Gallagher, national executive director of Parents’ Rights In Education, told Fox News Digital that policies promoted by Pritzker and other Democratic governors nationwide have left parents “paying more, getting less, and watching their kids fall behind.”
“Governor Pritzker has turned his back on parents, pouring more money into college for undocumented immigrants while the K-12 system crumbles,” Gallagher said. “Parents are putting two and two together and asking, ‘Wait a minute, what about our kids?’”
Gallagher emphasized that this is “unacceptable for all Illinois families,” arguing that the governor’s actions ignore academic struggles in favor of funding college opportunities for undocumented students on parents’ dime.
Despite her concerns, Gallagher expressed optimism that more parents are beginning to oppose such policies and join the parents’ rights movement.
“It’s exciting because people are … the future of our country, the parents who have kids in public schools right now,” she said. “We’re here for you. We have some fantastic activists in every state in this country. Come on board, we’d love to meet you.”
