The law extending financial aid benefits to illegal immigrants was signed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat and rumored 2028 presidential candidate. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
One of the bill’s sponsors, state Sen. Celina Villanueva, a Democrat, celebrated Pritzker signing the bill by saying in a statement that "this law is about making sure no student is left behind because of where they were born."
A statement by Villanueva’s office said that the measure "eliminates the patchwork of confusing and sometimes conflicting requirements that have excluded undocumented, DACAmented, and mixed-status students from critical aid."
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 the statement.
The statement said that the law "builds upon Villanueva’s long-standing advocacy for immigrant and first-generation students by creating a more consistent and inclusive pathway to accessing support."
DEM GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER VOWS TO 'DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO PROTECT OUR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS'
Congresswoman Mary Miller, R-Ill., called the law "absolutely shameful," saying, "Our state is drowning in debt, yet Gov. J.B. Pritzker is determined to drain even more taxpayer dollars to reward illegals." (Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
"Illinois taxpayers should not have their hard-earned taxpayer dollars pay for benefits to illegal immigrants who shouldn't be here in the first place," added the spokesperson.
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Pritzker’s office declined Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Villanueva’s office had not replied to Fox News Digital’s request for comment by the time of publication.
Peter Pinedo is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/slap-face-major-blue-state-governor-signs-bill-opening-financial-aid-illegals