Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker on 19 August signed legislation that makes every state- and locally funded student financial-aid program available to all Illinois residents, regardless of immigration status. The measure covers grants and scholarships administered by state agencies, local governments and public universities and specifically adds undocumented students and other residents who are ineligible for federal aid to the list of eligible applicants. Supporters, led by sponsor State Sen. Celina Villanueva, said the law creates a consistent, statewide standard that "makes sure no student is left behind because of where they were born." The change builds on earlier state efforts to broaden college access for first-generation and immigrant students. Republican critics warned of additional pressure on a state budget already in deficit. U.S. Rep. Mary Miller called the expansion "a slap in the face to hardworking Illinois families" and urged federal officials to review the state’s funding. On the same day, Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a multistate lawsuit aimed at blocking the Trump administration from withholding crime-victim assistance grants over Illinois’ immigration policies, underscoring the widening clash between Springfield and Washington. Separately, Illinois this week became the first state to codify a right to K-12 public education for all children regardless of immigration status, and Pritzker signed SB 1181 to strengthen protections against so-called strategic lawsuits against public participation brought against journalists. The series of measures marks a broader push by the Democratic governor to expand immigrant and press protections even as political opposition intensifies.