Federal Judge Invalidates Illinois Law on Financial Aid for Illegal Immigrants

A federal judge has overturned a law in Illinois that offered financial assistance and scholarships to undocumented immigrants. This decision comes from US District Judge Stephen McGlynn, who was appointed by Trump, representing the Southern District of Illinois.

Judge McGlynn ruled in favor of a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department, opposing the state’s provision of expanded educational benefits for illegal immigrants. According to the ruling, Illinois’ in-state tuition initiatives—the RISE Act and the Illinois DREAM Act—were deemed “unconstitutional and invalid” because they cater to non-citizens, as argued by the DOJ.

The Illinois legislation allowed undocumented immigrants access to state-funded financial aid that federal programs typically exclude. It also opened up scholarship opportunities for eligible students who are not U.S. citizens.

The judge has temporarily stayed his ruling for 14 days to give state attorneys time to file an appeal.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven Weinhoeft, praised the ruling, stating it was a necessary step to prevent Illinois from incentivizing illegal immigration using taxpayer money. He emphasized that the ruling aligns with federal law, pointing out that it stops the state from prioritizing undocumented individuals over U.S. citizens.

Republican lawmaker Mary Miller also reacted positively, claiming the decision was beneficial for Illinois taxpayers and American students who felt overlooked as the governor focused on non-citizens.

The Trump Administration has been actively pursuing legal action against Democratic-run states that provide additional educational benefits to undocumented individuals. The lawsuit against Illinois, filed in September 2025, contended that these state benefits were unconstitutional, arguing that U.S. citizens were not afforded the same educational advantages as illegal immigrants.