Here’s what the Trump administration found.
The Trump administration secured another major immigration victory Friday after a federal judge ruled that Illinois cannot continue providing special college benefits to illegal immigrants that are not equally available to all American citizens.
The decision marks a significant setback for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and adds momentum to the administration’s nationwide effort to challenge state policies that, officials argue, give preferential treatment to people living in the country illegally.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Illinois Education Benefits
Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn ruled that Illinois violated federal law by allowing illegal immigrants to receive benefits through its in-state tuition policy, the RISE Act, and the Illinois DREAM Act while many U.S. citizens remain ineligible for the same advantages.
The court permanently blocked Illinois from enforcing the programs. However, Judge McGlynn delayed the ruling from taking effect for 14 days, giving state officials an opportunity to seek relief from a federal appeals court.
The ruling represents one of the Trump administration’s most significant courtroom victories in its effort to roll back state policies that provide taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants.
Trump Administration Calls Ruling a Win for Taxpayers
Federal officials praised the decision, arguing it restores equal treatment under federal law.
U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft said Illinois had used taxpayer dollars to encourage illegal immigration by offering financial advantages to people in the country unlawfully while denying similar benefits to many American citizens who live outside the state.
According to Weinhoeft, the court’s ruling enforces the law passed by Congress and prevents Illinois from placing illegal immigrants ahead of American citizens when distributing higher education benefits.
Justice Department Challenged Illinois Law
The Justice Department sued Illinois and several colleges in September 2025, contending the state violated federal law by granting lower tuition costs, state-funded financial aid, and scholarship programs to illegal immigrants without extending those same benefits to all U.S. citizens, regardless of where they reside.
Judge McGlynn agreed with the federal government’s legal arguments, granting summary judgment in favor of the Justice Department while denying Illinois’ request to dismiss the case.
As a result, the ruling invalidates Illinois’ in-state tuition program, the RISE Act—which allows certain students who are ineligible for federal aid to qualify for state financial assistance—and the Illinois DREAM Act, which created scholarship opportunities for eligible students.
Illinois Republicans Applaud the Decision
Illinois Republican Rep. Mary Miller welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory for taxpayers and American students.
Miller said Illinois families had been placed at a disadvantage while state leaders prioritized education benefits for people living in the country illegally.
Supporters of the decision argue taxpayer-funded programs should benefit American citizens first, while critics maintain the education policies help students who have long lived in Illinois pursue higher education.
Trump Expands Nationwide Immigration Crackdown
The Illinois case is part of a broader legal campaign by the Trump administration targeting state laws that provide tuition discounts and financial assistance to illegal immigrants.
The Justice Department has already won similar cases or reached settlements with Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. As part of its agreement with the federal government, Nebraska agreed to end in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrants.
Similar lawsuits are still pending in California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Kansas, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Colorado Becomes the Next Target
Just one day before the Illinois ruling, the Justice Department filed a similar lawsuit against Colorado, challenging the state’s ASSET Act and related policies.
Federal attorneys argue Colorado unlawfully provides lower tuition rates and state financial aid to illegal immigrants while many American citizens from other states must pay significantly higher tuition costs.
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said Congress has long prohibited states from granting education benefits to illegal immigrants unless those same benefits are made available to every U.S. citizen.
Woodward argued that using taxpayer dollars to subsidize higher education for illegal immigrants conflicts with federal law and pledged the administration will continue pursuing similar legal challenges across the country.
He said the Justice Department intends to keep litigating until President Trump’s promise to end preferential treatment for illegal immigrants is fully carried out.
Colorado Defends Its Policies
Colorado Governor Jared Polis defended his state’s education laws, arguing decisions regarding in-state tuition should remain under state control rather than being dictated by the federal government.
A spokesperson for Polis said Colorado’s goal is to expand access to higher education, help students gain workforce skills, and reduce college costs for qualifying residents.
Immigration Fight Continues
The Illinois ruling marks another major legal victory for the Trump administration as it continues challenging state immigration policies that provide taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants.
With lawsuits now pending across multiple states, the battle over in-state tuition, financial aid, and other public benefits is expected to remain a major issue in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, states’ rights, and the use of taxpayer dollars.
