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HB 4097

HIGHER ED-NONCITIZEN BENEFITS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jason Bunting and 22 co-sponsors

Illinois bill addressing eligibility of noncitizen students for higher education benefits, referred to committee with bipartisan sponsorship.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4097

Legislative bill overview

HB 4097 addresses the provision of higher education benefits to noncitizen students in Illinois. The bill was introduced in October 2025 and has been referred to the Rules Committee. It currently has bipartisan co-sponsors, suggesting it addresses a substantive policy question about college access and funding eligibility.

Why is this important

Higher education affordability is a significant issue affecting college enrollment and completion rates. The treatment of noncitizen students—particularly undocumented immigrants and international students—in state benefit programs involves questions about public funding allocation, workforce development, and educational access that have both fiscal and humanitarian dimensions.

Potential points of contention

  • Eligibility scope and costs: Disagreement over which noncitizen populations should qualify (undocumented immigrants, visa holders, etc.) and the fiscal impact on state education budgets
  • In-state tuition and financial aid: Controversy around whether benefits should include in-state tuition rates or state grant aid, which some view as subsidizing noncitizens over citizens from other states
  • Federal law intersection: Questions about compliance with federal restrictions on certain benefit programs for noncitizens and potential conflicts with federal immigration policy

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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