SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a plan into law Friday to allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public universities.

Democrats said immigrant, first-generation and marginalized students should not be left behind because of where they were born. Although the Justice Department claims Illinois unconstitutionally discriminates against US citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates or scholarships.

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

However, Democrats said the law 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."

This plan passed out of both chambers on partisan votes. The new law took effect immediately. 

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) hopes the law can bring Illinois into compliance with federal requirements and allow students to have equitable access.

"As we've seen, it's harder to become a permanent resident, especially for those who are DACA recipients," Hernandez said. "There is no path at the moment from the federal government." 

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