Restores basic fairness and stops preferential treatment for non-citizens over U.S. citizens
DECATUR, IL… State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur) filed legislation to end preferential treatment for non-citizens in Illinois’ public higher-education system and ensure no non-citizen receives a better tuition or financial-aid benefit than a U.S. citizen.
“College is expensive, and many students rely on financial aid. Taxpayers expect those limited dollars to help U.S. families first,” said Rep. Deering. “Under the Democrats’ policy, non-citizens are prioritized over citizens. That’s not a level playing field, and it’s not fair.”
HB 4097 would prevent a system in which non-citizens receive better treatment than U.S. citizens, including citizens from neighboring states who are currently disadvantaged under Illinois Democrats’ policy.
“Punishing U.S. citizens while rewarding unlawful presence is upside down. We will not treat citizens like second-class. This legislation restores basic fairness and keeps our state on the right side of federal law,” Deering said.
Deering noted that the current policy is divorced from common sense and basic fairness and appears more aimed at advancing Governor Pritzker’s political ambitions than fulfilling governing responsibilities.
“The Governor’s decision to, once again, put illegal immigrants above citizens is abhorrent,” Deering continued. “We should govern with common sense and basic fairness — not with an eye on the White House.”
To learn more about the legislation, visit ilga.gov. To contact Rep. Deering, call (217) 876-1968 or visit RepDeering.com.
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