Federal Judge Invalidates Illinois Laws Supporting Illegal Immigrants’ Tuition Benefits

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker faced a significant legal setback as a federal judge invalidated state laws granting in-state tuition, financial aid, and scholarships to illegal immigrants. This decision aligns with the Trump administration’s national immigration policy objectives.

U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn, appointed by Trump and serving in the Southern District of Illinois, ruled that Illinois’ in-state tuition policies, including the RISE Act and the Illinois DREAM Act, are unconstitutional for illegal immigrants. This judgment prevents Illinois from enforcing these laws but allows a 14-day delay for state appeals.

The Justice Department praised the ruling. U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft highlighted that Illinois was incentivizing illegal immigration at taxpayers’ expense, which contravened federal law.

This ruling forms part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to challenge state laws supporting illegal immigrants’ educational benefits. The Justice Department had just filed a similar lawsuit against Colorado days prior.

Previously, the Justice Department sued Illinois and several colleges in September 2025, arguing that providing in-state tuition and financial aid to illegal immigrants without extending those benefits to all U.S. citizens violated federal law. Judge McGlynn’s decision supports this argument, rendering Illinois’ tuition rules and related acts invalid.

Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., stated that this decision benefits Illinois taxpayers and American students, who were sidelined by policy prioritization of illegal immigrants.

The Justice Department has successfully resolved or reached agreements in similar cases in Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Nebraska, with Nebraska ceasing in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrants following a settlement. Pending litigations involve states like Minnesota, Virginia, California, and several others, including Colorado.

The recent Colorado lawsuit focuses on the state’s ASSET Act, which unlawfully provides lower tuition rates and financial aid to illegal immigrants, bypassing out-of-state U.S. citizens, according to the Justice Department.

Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward emphasized that for thirty years, Congress has prohibited states from offering educational benefits to illegal immigrants that are not provided to all American citizens, condemning Colorado for defying this mandate.

Governor Jared Polis of Colorado defended the state’s approach, countering that the federal government attempting to determine in-state tuition nationwide is illogical. Polis’ statement maintained that Colorado intends to broaden educational access and assist students in obtaining valuable skills and saving costs.

Fox News Digital reached out to Governor Pritzker’s office for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Elaine Mallon, writing for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covers national political affairs.