On Monday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill authorizing the distribution of financial aid to all residents of Illinois, regardless of citizenship status. 

The bill reads that “a student who is an Illinois resident and who is not otherwise eligible for federal financial aid, including, but not limited to, a transgender student who is disqualified for failure to register for selective service or a noncitizen student who has not obtained lawful permanent residence, shall be eligible for financial aid and benefits,” according to the New York Post. 

The law pertains to any student residing in Illinois, making him or her eligible for financial aid programs funded or administered by the state, local governments, or public universities, according to a statement released by Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva. (RELATED: “Out of Touch” Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Blasts Potential Opponent)

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

“Our state is drowning in debt, yet JB Pritzker is determined to drain even more taxpayer dollars to reward illegals,” she said. “It’s absolutely shameful.” (RELATED: Congressional Democrat Pushes Wisconsin to Join Redistricting Arms Race)

This legislation only affects distribution at the Illinois level and below. The U.S. still maintains the distribution of federal financial aid to only citizens, and eligible non citizens such as green card holders, refugees granted asylum etc. 

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was one of the largest political donors to the Democrat Party of Wisconsin in 2024.