SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The plan allowing undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at Illinois public universities has arrived on the governor's desk.

Democratic leaders say immigrant, first-generation and marginalized students should not be left behind because of where they were born.

However, the Trump administration believes Illinois unconstitutionally discriminates against US citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates or scholarships.

"We lose 50% of our students already," said Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville). "It's actually slightly above 50% to out-of-state colleges and universities. Legislation like this will only increase that number. It will push more of our young minds to other states."

Yet, Democrats said this bill will create equity and ensure all students have the same opportunity to earn a college degree.

"Individuals who graduated from an Illinois high school may be deemed an Illinois resident for tuition purposes regardless of whether they established residency outside of the state before enrolling at an Illinois institution of higher education," said Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). "This is a good bill."

House Bill 5093 received partisan votes in both chambers. 

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