Federal Lawsuit Challenges Illinois Law Giving Financial Aid to Undocumented Students

Illinois is once again facing a federal lawsuit over its immigration policies, this time for offering taxpayer-funded financial aid and in-state tuition to undocumented students. Earlier this summer, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 460 into law, expanding state scholarships and grants to include undocumented immigrants beginning next year.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against Illinois, Governor Pritzker, and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, arguing the law violates federal statutes that prohibit giving benefits to individuals in the country illegally that are not equally provided to U.S. citizens. Federal officials say the law discriminates against students from other states who are legally in the U.S. but do not receive the same financial breaks Illinois is now promising to undocumented immigrants.

The lawsuit contends that Illinois' policy not only conflicts with federal law but also shifts the financial burden onto taxpayers while incentivizing more illegal immigration.

Senate Republicans say this latest lawsuit is further proof that Governor Pritzker's policies are putting the interests of those here illegally ahead of hardworking Illinois families. They believe taxpayer-funded financial aid should be reserved for U.S. citizens and legal residents, not used to create additional incentives for illegal immigration.