JB Pritzker Under Fire Over His Latest Move to Help Illegal Aliens

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a measure that opens state-funded student financial aid to all residents, regardless of immigration status, making illegal immigrants in Illinois eligible for educational financial benefits.

The legislation, framed as creating “equitable eligibility for financial aid and benefits,” establishes that any student residing in the state who is not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid can now qualify for assistance.

BREAKING: Illinois Gov JB Pritzker signs law granting illegal aliens access to student financial aid pic.twitter.com/aHZIUHNNUe

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 18, 2025

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The law specifically cites students disqualified from federal aid, such as transgender students who fail to register for selective service or noncitizen students who lack lawful permanent residence.

The bill was met with immediate criticism from conservatives, including Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., who described the move as prioritizing illegal immigrants over Illinois families.

“Allowing taxpayer-funded financial aid for illegal aliens is a slap in the face to hardworking Illinois families and students,” Miller told Fox News Digital.

“Our state is drowning in debt, yet JB Pritzker is determined to drain even more taxpayer dollars to reward illegals. It’s absolutely shameful.”

🚨Rep. Miller to @FoxNews: “Allowing taxpayer-funded financial aid for illegal aliens is a slap in the face to hardworking Illinois families and students. Our state is drowning in debt, yet JB Pritzker is determined to drain even more taxpayer dollars to reward illegals. It’s… pic.twitter.com/zD6jdKXB7A

— Rep. Mary Miller (@RepMaryMiller) August 19, 2025

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State Sen. Celina Villanueva, a Democrat and one of the bill’s sponsors, praised the measure.

In a statement, she said, “This law is about making sure no student is left behind because of where they were born.”

Her office added that the law “eliminates the patchwork of confusing and sometimes conflicting requirements that have excluded undocumented, DACAmented, and mixed-status students from critical aid.”

The measure applies to students residing in Illinois who attend institutions overseen by the state, local governments, or public universities.

Villanueva’s office said the change “builds upon Villanueva’s long-standing advocacy for immigrant and first-generation students by creating a more consistent and inclusive pathway to accessing support.”

“If you live in Illinois and are pursuing higher education, you should have access to the same opportunities as your peers,” Villanueva said.

“Illinois invests in all of our students, and we’re committed to helping them succeed.”

The decision has fueled debate over the state’s financial priorities. A spokesperson for the Illinois Republican Party argued the law places an added burden on taxpayers.

“Once again, Governor Pritzker proves that he is prioritizing illegal immigrants at the expense of Illinois families,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

“Illinois taxpayers should not have their hard-earned taxpayer dollars pay for benefits to illegal immigrants who shouldn’t be here in the first place.”

The law takes effect immediately and is expected to impact a broad group of students who were previously excluded from receiving state financial aid.

With the passage of this measure, Illinois joins a growing list of states implementing policies to extend benefits to residents without legal immigration status.

The move by Pritzker, a prominent Democratic governor and widely considered a potential presidential contender, underscores the political divide over immigration and state spending priorities.

Supporters argue the law creates fairness and equal opportunity for all students in Illinois, while critics maintain that it diverts taxpayer funds from legal residents and adds to the state’s financial challenges.