The following are state and national laws or policies that shape the support available for undocumented individuals on campus.
About the status of the DACA program
On August 24, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security released a final rule on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which preserves and fortifies the existing DACA program with minor changes. The name, eligibility criteria, application process, and cost remain the same as the current DACA program. However, due to the July 2021 Fifth Circuit decision, USCIS is still not processing initial applications for DACA and the granting of initial DACA requests remain suspended.
Illinois House Bill 60 became law in May 2003. Under HB 60, undocumented students are considered Illinois residents to receive in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities as long as they meet certain criteria:
- attended an Illinois school for at least three years prior to graduating or receiving the equivalent of a diploma;
- graduated from an Illinois high school or received the equivalent of a diploma in Illinois;
- resided with parents or guardians while attending an Illinois high school; and
- for those applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., provided the University with an affidavit stating the applicant will file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so.
For more information about enrolling and in-state tuition, visit the Undergraduate Admissions Resources for Undocumented Students page.
The Retention of Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act was signed into law June 21, 2019 by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The RISE Act makes undocumented students who are Illinois residents eligible for state financial aid and benefits at public institutions in Illinois, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This state aid includes Illinois MAP grants as well as other institutional aid including, but not limited to, scholarships, grants, awards, stipends, room and board assistance, tuition waivers, or other financial or in-kind assistance. Learn more about the Alternative Application for the MAP grant on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission page.
Illinois House Bill 3438 (110 ILCS 305/120), signed into law in September 2021, directs public universities in the state to designate an employee to serve as an Undocumented Student Resource Liaison. The designated employee would be responsible for helping students without documentation to access financial aid and other academic support. A list of Undocumented Student Liaisons at Illinois higher education institutions can be found on the Illinois Board of Higher Education webpage.
The Illinois Dream Act was signed into law on August 1, 2011 by Governor Pat Quinn. Illinois is the first state in the United States to create a private scholarship fund for undocumented students, and this law makes scholarships, college savings, and prepaid tuition programs available to undocumented students who graduate from Illinois high schools. It also allowed for the creation of the Illinois Dream Fund and the Illinois Dream Fund Commission who are actively seeking funds to award more scholarships and funding opportunities to undocumented students in Illinois. Learn more on the Illinois Dream Fund page.