Pritzker addresses undocumented students as Chicago’s Hispanic colleges lose federal grants

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker met with undocumented students in Chicago on Monday as the U.S. Department of Education ends funding for grant programs benefitting undocumented Hispanic migrants.

According to the Governor’s Office, Pritzker met with students, alumni, and administrators from the City Colleges of Chicago at Harold Washington College to discuss the impact of immigration enforcement efforts on students who immigrated to the country illegally.

“City Colleges is a tremendous example of an institution providing effective systems of support for immigrant students—especially as they are being targeted by the federal government in this turbulent time,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

Pritzker said all seven City Colleges of Chicago are Hispanic-Serving Institutions, meaning at least 25% of all students are of Hispanic descent.

In the past, that demographic threshold has made the schools eligible for certain federal grants, but a new directive from the U.S. Department of Education, in line with the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, has ended the funding.

According to the Governor’s Office, the Department of Justice has also made attempts to end scholarships and in-state tuition for undocumented students in Illinois.

In a press release, a spokesperson for Pritzker said, “The State of Illinois is fiercely defending against attacks on immigrant communities and education. From elementary school to higher education, schools should remain a safe space for all students, regardless of immigration status.”

“Right now, our communities are facing genuine fear as Trump intensifies his federal deployments, and the State of Illinois remains committed to lifting up organizations and institutions that are helping people know their rights and providing support,” Pritzker said.