Judge David W. Dugan ruled that Illinois law allowing illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges is unconstitutional.
Judge David W. Dugan ruled that Illinois law allowing illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities is unconstitutional and invalid. The decision, issued in the case *United States v. Illinois*, permanently blocks the state from granting tuition discounts and state-funded scholarships to illegal immigrants. The ruling enforces federal law 8 U.S.C. § 1623, which prevents states from offering postsecondary benefits to illegal aliens based on residency unless identical benefits are available to all American citizens. The administration's Department of Justice argued that the state's policies discriminated against U.S. citizens from other states by prioritizing non-citizens. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft stated that the ruling stops the state from putting illegal aliens ahead of American citizens and prevents the state from incentivizing illegal immigration on the taxpayer’s dime. While illegal immigrants can still attend public colleges, they must now pay full rates, ensuring that American students are not disadvantaged by the state's previous sanctuary-style policies.