Deering on DOJ Complaint Challenging Illinois’ In-State Tuition & Scholarships for Non-Citizens

"My legislation restores basic fairness and brings Illinois into compliance with federal law."

DECATUR, IL…State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a complaint against Illinois challenging laws that unconstitutionally discriminate against U.S. Citizens by providing in-state tuition and state-funded scholarships to individuals here illegally:

"Yesterday's DOJ action underscores exactly why I filed HB 4097. College costs are high, aid dollars are limited, and families expect their tax dollars to be used fairly. The Justice Department made it clear: Illinois can't tilt the playing field toward illegal immigrants. My bill restores equal treatment, so no illegal immigrant gets a better deal than any American student, period."

One week after Rep. Deering introduced legislation to end preferential treatment for illegal immigrants in Illinois' expensive public higher-education system and ensure no illegal immigrant receives a better tuition or financial-aid benefit than a U.S. citizen, the DOJ filed a complaint in the Southern District of Illinois (SDIL), against the State of Illinois, Governor Pritzker, the Attorney General, and the boards of trustees of state universities challenging Illinois policies that provide in-state tuition and state financial aid to illegal aliens, benefits not equally available to all U.S. citizens.

The U.S. Attorney for SDIL stated the policy "treats illegal aliens better than U.S. citizens living in other states…all on the taxpayer's dime," as DOJ seeks to enjoin enforcement of the Illinois laws. Rep. Deering's legislation, HB 4097, would bring Illinois into compliance with federal law and end preferential treatment over U.S. citizens.

Deering called on her colleagues in the General Assembly to support her legislation to stop shortchanging citizens. "If you believe in equal treatment for American students, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support HB 4097, so Illinois is aligned with federal law and basic fairness and common sense."

For more information, please contact Rep. Deering at (217) 876-1968 or visit RepDeering.com.

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