Trump DOJ targeting blue state law giving illegal immigrants financial aid
DOJ Files Complaint to Block Illinois Law Granting Financial Aid to Illegal Immigrants
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President Donald Trump’s United States Attorney General Pam Bondi is taking action to prevent a controversial Illinois law, signed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, from extending student financial aid to illegal immigrants.
In a recent statement, the Justice Department announced that it has filed a complaint in the Southern District of Illinois against the state, Gov. Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and the boards of trustees of Illinois state universities.
The DOJ is seeking to halt the implementation of Illinois’ laws that provide financial aid to illegal immigrants, which the DOJ argues is in violation of federal law and discriminates against U.S. citizens.
The complaint alleges that Illinois’ law is a “blatant and ongoing violation of federal law” by granting post-secondary education benefits to aliens not lawfully present in the U.S. based on residency.
In response to the complaint, U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft for the Southern District of Illinois stated that Illinois is aiming to become the country’s leading sanctuary state by offering in-state tuition, scholarships, and financial aid to illegal aliens, which he believes is misguided and violates federal law.
Attorney General Bondi emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to upholding federal law and ensuring that U.S. students are not treated as second-class citizens, with Illinois now being added to the list of states where legal battles are being fought.
Gov. Pritzker’s office responded to the complaint by criticizing the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce federal resources for all Americans and defending Illinois’ inclusive educational pathways for students, including immigrants and first-generation students.
In August, Gov. Pritzker signed a bill into law that opened student financial aid to all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status, sparking controversy and opposition from parents in the state.
Michelle Cunney, an Illinois mother and local Parents’ Rights in Education chapter leader, expressed concerns about the impact of the new law on students and criticized the preferential treatment given to illegal immigrants over tax-paying citizens.
As the legal battle continues, the spokesperson for Attorney General Raoul’s office stated that they are reviewing the case and have no further comment at this time.
