Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has signed legislation expanding access to taxpayer-funded student financial aid for noncitizens, including illegal immigrants.
On Aug. 15, Pritzker approved HB460, which amends the 2019 Retention of Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act. That earlier law made illegal immigrants in Illinois—including DACA recipients and other noncitizens without lawful permanent residency—eligible for state-funded financial aid programs. The new amendment, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026, extends eligibility beyond state-administered aid to also cover programs offered by local governments and public colleges and universities.
