House passes measure to give tuition assistance to undocumented citizens, transgender students

Noncitizen students and transgender individuals not eligible for federal student loan aid because they’ve failed to register for the selective service would be able to access tuition assistance in Illinois under a plan passed by the House.

State Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez, D-Chicago, has the Retain Illinois Students Act which would give Monetary Award Program money to noncitizen students who have not obtained lawful permanent residence.

“They are residents of Illinois,” Hernandez said. “Universities across the state and community colleges are supportive of this bill.”

Universities and community colleges would benefit from the taxpayer-funded MAP grants for qualifying students attending those institutions.

Read more: https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/house-passes-measure-to-give-tuition-assistance-to-undocumented-citizens/article_615795f6-5caf-11e9-b16d-b3ca35ced8a5.html