Halbrook Prioritizes Citizens over Illegal Aliens with New Legislation

SHELBYVILLE, IL… State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) issued the following release after filing HB 4118, which prohibits illegal aliens from accessing financial aid, if the same aid is not made available to every U.S. citizen.

The new legislation is in response to Governor Pritzker's decision to sign HB 460 into law in August. The new law expands eligibility for financial aid to undocumented students, further straining the limited resources available. Halbrook says taxpayer funded benefits should go to citizens first, noting the recent complaint filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Gov. Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul challenging the new law.

"The Department of Justice made it clear: federal law prohibits giving benefits to illegal aliens that aren't equally available to American citizens," began Rep. Halbrook. "But here in Illinois, we've flipped that on its head-treating law-breaking noncitizens better than law-abiding citizens from neighboring states. Illinois has no business defying federal law just to win points in a so-called 'race to the bottom' for sanctuary status. That's why I've filed HB 4118, to bring Illinois into compliance with federal law and restore fairness to our higher education system."

The DOJ is demanding that Illinois stop enforcing laws that give taxpayer-funded tuition breaks and scholarships to students here illegally. Rep. Halbrook, who supports the new lawsuit, says that by continuing to expand aid and services to illegal aliens, the state of Illinois is not showing compassion, instead showing citizens that they rank far behind those who enter the country illegally.

"My bill is simple: if you're in the country illegally, you cannot receive scholarships, grants, or loans from the State of Illinois unless every U.S. citizen, regardless of the state they live in is also eligible," continued Halbrook. "Someone who is lawfully present in the U.S. but lives in another state should never be treated worse than someone who is here unlawfully. That's not only the law, but it's common sense and basic fairness. It's time we put Americans first-not illegal aliens," concluded Halbrook.

The bill awaits further action. To follow its progress, visit ilga.gov. With questions, contact Rep. Halbrook at (217) 342-0220 or visit RepHalbrook.com.

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