A federal judge has dealt a major blow to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, ruling that the state’s in-state tuition policies for illegal immigrants are unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn, a Trump appointee, sided with the Justice Department in the case, stating that the policies violate federal law.
Background of the Case
The Justice Department had filed a lawsuit against Illinois, arguing that the state’s policies providing in-state tuition and financial aid to illegal immigrants were unlawful. The lawsuit claimed that the policies treated illegal immigrants more favorably than U.S. citizens living in other states.
McGlynn granted the federal government’s motion for summary judgment, ruling that the Illinois’ in-state tuition rules, the RISE Act, and the Illinois DREAM Act are unconstitutional as applied to illegal immigrants. The ruling permanently prevents Illinois from enforcing the laws, although McGlynn delayed the order from taking effect for 14 days to allow the state to appeal.
Reaction to the Ruling
U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft celebrated the ruling, stating that it enforces the statute Congress wrote and stops the state from putting illegal immigrants ahead of American citizens. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., also praised the decision, calling it a win for Illinois taxpayers and American students who were shut out while Pritzker prioritized foreigners in the country illegally.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
