SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her commitment to educational equity, State Senator Celina Villanueva has secured the signing of a new law expanding access to student financial aid for all Illinois residents—regardless of immigration status.

“If you live in Illinois and are pursuing higher education, you should have access to the same opportunities as your peers,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law is about making sure no student is left behind because of where they were born.”

House Bill 460 ensures that any student residing in Illinois is eligible for financial aid programs funded or administered by the state, local governments, or public colleges and universities. By standardizing eligibility criteria across programs, the measure eliminates the patchwork of confusing and sometimes conflicting requirements that have excluded undocumented, DACAmented, and mixed-status students from critical aid.

The law builds upon Villanueva’s long-standing advocacy for immigrant and first-generation students by creating a more consistent and inclusive pathway to accessing support.

“Too many students have faced closed doors and confusing guidance simply because of their background,” Villanueva said. “Illinois invests in all of our students, and we’re committed to helping them succeed.”

House Bill 460 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.