Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat and rumored 2028 presidential contender, has ignited fresh controversy after signing legislation that opens state-funded financial aid to students regardless of immigration status — including those in the country illegally.

The law, framed as an “equity measure,” ensures that anyone living in Illinois can apply for student aid, even if they are not eligible for federal programs. That includes illegal immigrants, DACA recipients, and students in mixed-status families. Supporters say the goal is to simplify a confusing patchwork of eligibility requirements and guarantee that “no student is left behind because of where they were born.”

State Sen. Celina Villanueva, a Democrat and longtime advocate for immigrant students, praised the law, declaring that Illinois is investing in “all of our students” and creating “inclusive pathways” to support their education. She celebrated the measure as a landmark win for immigrant rights.

But critics say Pritzker’s move is reckless and dangerous. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., blasted the decision, calling it “absolutely shameful” and a “slap in the face” to Illinois families. “Our state is drowning in debt, yet JB Pritzker is determined to drain even more taxpayer dollars to reward illegals,” Miller told Fox News Digital.

The Illinois GOP echoed that outrage, accusing Pritzker of prioritizing illegal immigrants over citizens struggling with rising costs, high taxes, and dwindling resources. “Illinois taxpayers should not have their hard-earned dollars pay for benefits to illegal immigrants who shouldn’t be here in the first place,” a party spokesperson said.

The legislation is being hailed by progressives as a model for other blue states, but it lands at a time when Illinois is facing ballooning debt and widespread concerns about crime, migration, and declining population. Many residents already feel overburdened by taxes, and conservatives argue that this new entitlement will only deepen the financial crisis.

The political implications are hard to miss. Pritzker has been floated as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, and this move signals that he’s willing to stake out bold progressive positions on immigration, even if they spark backlash from conservatives and independents. It’s a gamble that could energize the Democratic base — but also hand Republicans fresh ammunition in states where resentment over illegal immigration is already boiling over.

Critics argue that the law is not about fairness, but politics. By granting financial aid to illegal immigrants while the state remains billions in debt, Pritzker is accused of buying favor with progressive activists and immigrant advocacy groups, while ignoring the struggles of working-class families who play by the rules.

For Republicans, the issue is simple: Illinois families should not be asked to subsidize benefits for people who broke the law to come here. And with the state’s financial problems growing worse, many are questioning how much longer taxpayers can carry the burden of Pritzker’s policies.

Supporters insist the law will expand opportunity and strengthen the state’s workforce. But for critics, it’s another example of Democrats putting illegal immigrants ahead of their own citizens — and proof that blue states like Illinois are willing to sacrifice fiscal sanity to push their progressive agenda.