Full Breakdown
Federal Judge Blocks Illinois Immigration Tuition Benefits
7/26/2026, 12:56:02 PM
Court Decision and Immediate Effect
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn, a Trump-appointed judge in the Southern District of Illinois, granted the Justice Department’s motion for summary judgment and declared Illinois’ in-state tuition policies, the RISE Act, and the Illinois DREAM Act “unconstitutional and invalid” as applied to illegal immigrants. The ruling permanently bars the state from enforcing those benefits, though McGlynn delayed enforcement for 14 days to give Illinois time to seek appellate relief.
Legal Background and DOJ Lawsuit
The Justice Department filed its lawsuit against Illinois and several colleges in September 2025, arguing that the state’s programs violate federal law by offering in-state tuition and state financial aid to illegal immigrants without extending the same benefits to all U.S. citizens. The case is part of a broader federal effort, highlighted by recent actions in Colorado, to dismantle state laws that extend higher-education benefits to undocumented students. Similar litigation has produced settlements in Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Nebraska, while lawsuits remain pending in Minnesota, Virginia, California, New Jersey, Kansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland and Colorado.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Rep. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s office has not issued a comment in the articles.
State and Political Reactions
Rep. Miller posted her remarks on X, emphasizing the perceived fiscal fairness of the ruling. The decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s stated goal of preventing preferential treatment for illegal aliens, a priority echoed by Justice Department officials in related cases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Illinois sought to incentivize illegal immigration on the taxpayer’s dime by treating illegal aliens better than US citizens living in other states, in clear violation of federal law,” — Steven Weinhoeft, US attorney
- “This is a win for Illinois taxpayers and American students who were shut out while Pritzker prioritized foreigners in our country illegally,” — Rep. Mary Miller
