Students living illegally in the U.S. who struggle to pay for college because they don't qualify for financial aid are urging Illinois lawmakers to make them eligible for state help.
Legislation that passed the state Senate this month with bipartisan support would make Illinois among the few states in the country that let immigrant students get financial aid regardless of their legal status. The measure is awaiting action in the Illinois House.
Opponents of the bill say students in the country illegally could be getting a state benefit over U.S. citizens who also need the help.
California, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington already give state financial aid to students who are illegally in the U.S. Eighteen states, including Illinois, also allow immigrant students to qualify for in-state tuition.
