Why it's trending
The ruling is a major legal defeat for Governor JB Pritzker and aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to challenge state policies benefiting undocumented immigrants. It follows a similar lawsuit against Colorado, highlighting a broader national crackdown.
A federal judge has ruled that Illinois laws granting in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented immigrants are unconstitutional, delivering a significant legal blow to Governor JB Pritzker. The decision, issued Friday by U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn (per Fox News) or Judge David W. Dugan (per FOX 32 Chicago – sources conflict on the judge’s name), permanently blocks enforcement of the laws, though a 14-day stay allows for an appeal.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed last year by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois and the Justice Department’s Civil Division. The judge found that the state’s policies – including the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act and the Illinois DREAM Act – violate federal law by providing benefits to undocumented immigrants that are not available to U.S. citizens from other states.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft praised the decision, stating, "Illinois sought to incentivize illegal immigration on the taxpayer’s dime by treating illegal aliens better than U.S. citizens living in other states." The lawsuit named Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and officials from several public universities as defendants. Spokespeople for Pritzker and Raoul did not immediately comment on whether they would appeal.
The ruling is the latest victory for the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, coming one day after the Justice Department filed a similar lawsuit against Colorado. It could embolden challenges to similar policies in other states and may influence the national debate over immigration and higher education access.
Timeline
- DOJ files lawsuit against Illinois
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and DOJ Civil Division sue Illinois over in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented immigrants, naming Gov. JB Pritzker and state officials. (Source: FOX 32 Chicago)
- Federal judge rules against Illinois
Judge (David W. Dugan per FOX 32 or Stephen McGlynn per Fox News) declares the laws unconstitutional, granting a 14-day stay before the order takes effect. (Sources: FOX 32 Chicago, Fox News)
Questions people ask
What exactly did the judge rule?
The judge ruled that Illinois' laws allowing undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition and receive state financial aid (RISE Act, DREAM Act) are unconstitutional and invalid. The ruling permanently blocks enforcement but allows 14 days for an appeal. (Sources: FOX 32 Chicago, Fox News)
Why was Gov. Pritzker named in the lawsuit?
Governor JB Pritzker was named as a defendant because he is the chief executive of Illinois, which enacted the challenged laws. The lawsuit also named Attorney General Kwame Raoul and officials from several state universities. (Source: FOX 32 Chicago)
Is this part of a larger trend?
Yes. The Trump administration has targeted similar policies in other states, including a lawsuit against Colorado filed the day before this ruling. Earlier, Nebraska ended its in-state tuition benefits for undocumented immigrants under a DOJ deal. (Source: Fox News)
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