Trump Administration Sues Illinois Over Tuition Discounts
The Trump administration is taking legal action against Illinois, challenging a state law that permits undocumented immigrants to access in-state tuition rates and scholarships. This move comes as the White House steps up its efforts against sanctuary jurisdictions.
On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against Illinois, along with Governor J.B. Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raul, and other state officials. The lawsuit contends that the state’s policies allow for illegal activities, asserting that state tuition rates and scholarship opportunities for undocumented immigrants violate federal law.
“Under federal law, educational institutions are not allowed to extend benefits to undocumented individuals that are not available to U.S. citizens,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondy in an official announcement.
She added, “This Department of Justice has already initiated several lawsuits aimed at ensuring that American students are not treated as second-class citizens. Illinois is among the states vigorously opposing federal law.”
The DOJ aims to stop Illinois law enforcement from enforcing the requirement that universities offer in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants claiming residency within the state, as outlined in the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.
The administration argues that federal law explicitly prevents universities from providing benefits to non-citizens that are not available to American citizens.
Stephen Weinhout, an attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, remarked, “Illinois is seeking to emerge as the leading sanctuary state by requiring in-state tuition, scholarships, and financial aid for undocumented immigrants, which is a clear breach of federal law.”
Weinhout expressed concern, stating, “This policy offers more benefits to undocumented individuals than to U.S. citizens in other states, potentially encouraging further illegal immigration at the expense of taxpayers. Residents of Illinois deserve better.”
This lawsuit arrives as the Trump administration is poised to escalate federal law enforcement actions in Chicago. Immigration officials, having made considerable arrests in cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., are preparing to coordinate with nearby military facilities for operations in the Windy City.
The White House has shown a more restrained approach toward Chicago and Illinois officials regarding their sanctuary policies. In July, a federal judge appointed by President Joe Biden dismissed the administration’s legal efforts to dismantle sanctuary policies in the Chicago area. Currently, the DOJ categorizes Chicago and Illinois as sanctuaries, indicating restricted cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
