Illinois Governor Signs Bill Providing Financial Aid to All Students

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a new bill on Friday that enables students in the state to access financial aid irrespective of their immigration status.

The legislation, sponsored by Illinois senators Selina Villanueva and Javier L. Cervantes, aims to make all students residing in Illinois eligible for state-funded financial aid programs. Villanueva expressed that the goal is to ensure that “students are not left behind because of the place they were born.”

“If you live in Illinois and are pursuing higher education, you should have access to the same opportunities as everyone else,” she stated. There are many students facing barriers and conflicting advice simply based on their backgrounds, she added, highlighting Illinois’ commitment to supporting all its students in their educational journeys.

Pritzker has been gaining attention nationally this year as speculation grows about a possible presidential bid in 2028. He has been somewhat evasive regarding the matter, noting that any decision is still up in the air.

On the other hand, Republican Representative Mary Miller criticized the bill, claiming that providing financial aid to undocumented immigrants is unfair to hardworking Illinois families and students. She characterized the state’s financial struggles and Pritzker’s actions as “absolutely shameful.”

The National Republican Congressional Committee echoed her sentiments, criticizing what they perceive as misplaced priorities in the state’s financial support policies. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

As of this writing, neither Pritzker’s nor Villanueva’s offices had commented on the matter.