Lawmaker slams Illinois tuition bill favoring illegal immigrants

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, is raising concerns about a proposal he says would expand access to in-state tuition for illegal immigrants in Illinois, calling the measure a “workaround” to existing eligibility rules.

The legislation, House Bill 1593, would adjust residency requirements tied to in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. While the bill does not explicitly reference immigration status, Niemerg argued that its practical effect would be to make it easier for undocumented individuals to qualify.

“They’re not going to explicitly say this is a program for illegal immigrants,” Niemerg said. “It’s a workaround in order to receive that benefit.”

Under current law, students typically must attend high school or community college in Illinois while living in the state to qualify for in-state tuition. Niemerg said the proposal would instead allow individuals to establish residency over a set period, which he believes opens the door for broader eligibility.

“This just makes it to where illegal immigrants can declare residency and then receive in-state tuition,” he said. “It’s another benefit being offered.”

Niemerg, who serves as a Republican spokesman on immigration issues, also argued the policy creates inequities for U.S. citizens living in neighboring states like Indiana or Missouri, who generally do not qualify for in-state tuition at Illinois institutions.

“You have students from Indiana who are citizens of this country who can’t get in-state tuition,” he said. “But someone here illegally can.”

The lawmaker tied the proposal to broader immigration policies in Illinois, including sanctuary state and city designations, and estimated billions in state spending related to immigration services. He also questioned whether the residency changes could extend beyond undocumented immigrants.

“One question we’re looking into is whether foreign nationals could use this same pathway,” Niemerg said.

Supporters of expanding tuition access have argued such measures can help stabilize enrollment.

“This could be used to attract students from neighboring states and boost our universities,” he said. “But that’s not what’s being done here.”

House Bill 1593 passed the House and awaits a committee assignment in the Senate.

Bill sponsors state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, D-Chicago, and state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.