1. What is the current state legislation in Illinois regarding access to higher education for undocumented immigrants?

As of 2021, the state legislation in Illinois regarding access to higher education for undocumented immigrants includes:

1. The Illinois DREAM Act: This law, passed in 2011, allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to receive privately funded scholarships and grants at public universities in Illinois.

2. In-state tuition for undocumented students: In 2003, Illinois became the first state to pass a law allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. This means that these students can pay the same tuition as other Illinois residents instead of paying out-of-state tuition rates, which are significantly higher.

3. Access to state financial aid: Undocumented students who meet the eligibility criteria for the state’s Monetary Award Program (MAP) can now apply for financial aid through this program, thanks to a law passed in 2019. Prior to this law, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents were eligible for MAP grants.

4. Undocumented student support services: Several public universities in Illinois have established specialized support services for undocumented students, including academic advising, legal assistance, and financial aid counseling.

5. Removal of immigration status questions on college applications: In 2016, the University of Illinois system removed questions regarding immigration status from their undergraduate admissions application in order to remove barriers for undocumented students.

Overall, Illinois has some of the most progressive laws and policies regarding access to higher education for undocumented immigrants compared to other states in the United States. These laws aim to provide equal opportunities for all qualified students regardless of their immigration status.

2. How does Illinois support immigrant students in pursuing higher education opportunities?

1. In-State Tuition: Illinois has implemented an In-State Tuition policy that allows eligible immigrant students, including undocumented immigrants, to pay in-state tuition rates at public universities and community colleges.

2. State Financial Aid: The Illinois Dream Act provides access to state funded financial aid such as the Monetary Award Program (MAP) and the Illinois Inclusive Excellence Scholarship for immigrant students who meet certain criteria, regardless of their citizenship status.

3. Institutional Scholarships and Support Programs: Many Illinois colleges and universities offer scholarships and support programs specifically for immigrant students, including the DACA Scholars Program at Loyola University Chicago and the Undocumented Student Support Center at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

4. Collaboration with Community Organizations: The state has partnerships with community organizations such as the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) and the Latino Policy Forum to provide resources and support for immigrant students pursuing higher education.

5. Undocumented Student Resource Centers: Many Illinois colleges and universities have established Undocumented Student Resource Centers that offer services such as legal assistance, academic advising, and cultural programming to support immigrant students on campus.

6. Legislation Supporting Immigrants: The state has passed legislation such as the Criminal Background Check Act, which prohibits asking about criminal history on college admissions applications, making it easier for undocumented students to apply to college without fear of disclosing their status.

7. Multilingual Services: Many colleges and universities in Illinois offer multilingual services to assist immigrant students with language barriers in accessing higher education opportunities.

8. Advocacy Groups: There are several advocacy groups in Illinois dedicated to advocating for policies that support immigrant students’ access to higher education, such as the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (ICIRR).

9. Guidance Counselor Training: Some schools have implemented training programs for guidance counselors on how to best support undocumented students in their college search process.

10. Streamlined Application Process: Some schools, like University of Illinois at Chicago, have implemented a streamlined application process for undocumented students, making it easier for them to apply and receive necessary financial aid.

3. Are there any specific financial aid programs available for undocumented students in Illinois?

Yes, there are several financial aid programs available for undocumented students in Illinois. These include:

– Access Illinois: This is a privately-funded scholarship program that provides financial assistance to DACA and undocumented students attending colleges and universities in Illinois. The scholarships range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year.
– Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois: This program offers scholarships and support to low-income, first-generation college students who are interested in pursuing careers as teachers in high-need schools in Illinois. Undocumented students are eligible if they have DACA status.
– Illinois DREAM Fund: This fund provides scholarships to undocumented immigrants or children of undocumented immigrants who want to pursue higher education in Illinois. The awards range from $1,000 to $6,000 per year.
– National Scholarship List: This is a comprehensive list of scholarships available for undocumented students nationwide. Many of these scholarships do not require citizenship or legal permanent residency.

Additionally, many colleges and universities in Illinois offer their own institutional scholarships and grants for undocumented students. It’s important for students to research the specific financial aid options at the schools they are interested in attending.

4. What efforts has the state legislature made to ensure equal opportunities for immigrant and non-immigrant students in higher education?

There are several efforts that the state legislature has made to ensure equal opportunities for immigrant and non-immigrant students in higher education. These include:

1. In-state tuition for undocumented students: Many states have passed laws allowing undocumented students who graduated from high school within the state to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.

2. DREAM Act legislation: Some states have passed their own versions of the federal Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which provides a path to citizenship for certain undocumented individuals who were brought to the US as children.

3. Financial aid options: Some states have created financial aid programs specifically for undocumented students or removed citizenship requirements from existing financial aid programs.

4. Non-discrimination policies: Many states have implemented policies prohibiting discrimination against immigrants in admission, enrollment, and scholarship decisions at public colleges and universities.

5. Refugee-specific programs: Some states have created programs specifically aimed at providing higher education opportunities for refugees, including scholarships and other resources.

6. Accessible language services: Some states have put measures in place to ensure that all necessary college documents and information are available in multiple languages to accommodate non-English speaking immigrant populations.

7. Partnership with community organizations: State legislatures may partner with community organizations to promote higher education access for immigrants, such as hosting events or providing resources and support services.

Overall, these efforts demonstrate an ongoing commitment by state legislatures to provide equal opportunities for immigrant and non-immigrant students in higher education.

5. How has Illinois addressed residency requirements for immigrant students seeking admission into state universities and colleges?

Illinois has addressed residency requirements for immigrant students seeking admission into state universities and colleges by providing opportunities for undocumented students to attend and pay in-state tuition rates.

1. In 2003, the Illinois Senate passed the Student Adjustment Benefit Act, which allows undocumented immigrant students who have attended an Illinois high school for at least three years to pay in-state tuition rates at state universities and community colleges.
2. In 2011, Governor Pat Quinn signed the Illinois Dream Act, which expanded on the previous legislation by allowing undocumented immigrant students to also access private college scholarships and state financial aid.
3. The University of Illinois Board of Trustees also approved a policy in 2015 that allows undocumented students who graduated from an Illinois high school to be considered as residents for tuition purposes.
4. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a bill in June 2019 that expands on the previous legislation by opening up more opportunities for undocumented students to access financial aid and scholarships.
5. Additionally, several private universities in Illinois, such as Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University, have implemented their own policies to provide support and resources for undocumented students seeking admission.

Overall, these measures have helped address residency requirements for immigrant students seeking admission into state universities and colleges in Illinois, making higher education more accessible and affordable for this population.

6. Is there any state-level legislation that provides in-state tuition rates for undocumented students in Illinois?

Yes, the Illinois Dream Act (passed in 2011) allows undocumented students who have attended at least 3 years of high school in Illinois and graduated from an Illinois high school to receive in-state tuition rates at the state’s public colleges and universities. Additionally, the Student Access Bill (passed in 2015) extended this eligibility to all undocumented students residing in Illinois regardless of their high school attendance.

7. Has Illinois passed any laws prohibiting discrimination against immigrant students during the college admissions process?

Yes, Illinois has passed laws that prohibit discrimination against immigrant students during the college admissions process. The state’s Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of immigration status in educational institutions, including colleges and universities. This means that admissions decisions cannot be based on a student’s citizenship or immigration status.

In addition, the state’s Student Access Benefit Act (SABA) helps to ensure equal access for immigrant students to public higher education institutions in Illinois. SABA guarantees that all students, regardless of their immigration status, have access to in-state tuition rates at public universities and community colleges if they meet certain criteria.

Illinois also has a “Student Bill of Rights” which states that all students, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to be considered for admission to any public higher education institution in the state and cannot be discriminated against or denied admission based on their citizenship or immigration status.

Furthermore, in 2019 Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act which provides undocumented and transgender students access to state financial aid for college. These laws demonstrate Illinois’ commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity in higher education for immigrant students.

8. Does Illinois have any programs or initiatives aimed at increasing enrollment of immigrant students in higher education institutions?

Yes, Illinois has several programs and initiatives aimed at increasing enrollment of immigrant students in higher education institutions:

1. Illinois DREAM Act: This law allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to apply for state financial aid to attend college in Illinois.

2. The Latino Student Advisory Council: This council was created by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to focus on increasing access and success for Latinx students in higher education, including immigrant students.

3. Trust Act: This law prohibits state and local law enforcement from arresting or detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status, creating a more welcoming environment for immigrant students.

4. Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program: This program provides scholarships to minority students who plan to teach in high-need subject areas and schools, including bilingual or English as a Second Language education.

5. Welcoming Campus Initiative: This initiative was launched by the University of Illinois System to improve awareness and support for immigrant and refugee students across all three campuses.

6. Bridges Program at Loyola University Chicago: This program provides academic, social, and financial support for immigrant and first-generation college students at Loyola University Chicago.

7. UIC Undocumented Student Support Services: The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Office of Diversity provides resources and support specifically for undocumented and DACAmented students.

8. RISE Program at DePaul University: DePaul University’s RISE (Resilience-Inspiration-Support-Empowerment) program offers guidance, advocacy, workshops, events, scholarships, and other resources specifically tailored to undocumented students on campus.

9. Are there any barriers, such as English proficiency testing, that hinder access to higher education for immigrant students in Illinois?

Yes, there are several barriers that can hinder access to higher education for immigrant students in Illinois, including English proficiency testing. Some of these barriers include:

1. Limited Financial Resources: Many immigrant students may come from low-income families and face financial constraints that make it difficult to afford higher education, including tuition and living expenses.

2. Lack of Access to Information: Immigrant students and their families may not have access to information about the different types of colleges and universities in Illinois, the application process, financial aid opportunities, and other resources that could help them navigate the higher education system.

3. Language Barriers: For students who are not fluent in English, language can be a significant barrier to accessing higher education. These students may struggle with understanding course materials, communicating with professors and peers, and completing assignments.

4. Limited Academic Preparation: Some immigrant students may have received their education in a different country with an entirely different curriculum. This can make it challenging for them to meet academic requirements and prepare for standardized tests used for college admissions.

5. Discrimination: Unfortunately, some immigrant students may face discrimination or bias based on their race, ethnicity, or nationality, which can impact their educational opportunities.

6. Citizenship/Residency Requirements: Some colleges and universities in Illinois require proof of citizenship or legal residency for admission or eligibility for certain financial aid programs, which can be a barrier for undocumented immigrants or those with DACA status.

7. Inadequate Support Services: Immigrant students often face unique challenges while adjusting to a new country and culture. Without adequate support services such as counseling, tutoring, mentoring programs, and cultural centers on campus, these students may struggle to succeed in college.

8. Limited Access to Scholarships: There is a lack of scholarships specifically designed for immigrant students in Illinois compared to other states. This makes it more challenging for them to secure funding for their education.

9. English Proficiency Testing Requirements: Many colleges and universities in Illinois require international students to take English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. These tests can be costly, and the results can limit the courses and majors that these students are eligible for.

Addressing these barriers would help create a more inclusive higher education system in Illinois and provide equal opportunities for immigrant students to pursue their educational aspirations.

10. How does Illinois support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who are pursuing a college degree?

Illinois has several programs in place to support DACA recipients who are pursuing a college degree. These include:

1. ISAC programs: The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) offers several financial aid programs specifically for undocumented and DACA students, such as the Monetary Award Program (MAP), Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, and the Illinois Veteran Grant.

2. Private scholarships: Many private organizations and foundations in Illinois offer scholarships specifically for DACA students, including the DREAM US Scholarship, TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarships, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Dreamers Program.

3. In-state tuition: Illinois is one of 21 states that allows DACA recipients to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities.

4. Legal services: The state of Illinois provides funding for legal aid organizations that offer free or low-cost assistance to DACA recipients with their immigration paperwork.

5. Work-study opportunities: Undocumented and DACA students are eligible for Federal Work-Study positions through their school’s financial aid office.

6. Counseling and support services: Colleges in Illinois often have specific resources and support services for undocumented/DACA students, such as counseling, peer mentoring, and campus clubs/organizations.

7. Additional resources: There are also organizations in Illinois that provide resources and support specifically for undocumented/DACA students, such as the Undocumented Student Resource Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Latinx Student Success Office at Northern Illinois University.

11. What measures has the state government taken to protect the privacy of immigrant student information on college campuses?

The state government has implemented several measures to protect the privacy of immigrant student information on college campuses, including:

1. Non-Disclosure Policies: Many colleges and universities have adopted non-disclosure policies that prohibit the sharing of student information, including immigration status, without the student’s consent or a legal requirement.

2. Protection of Student Records: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), educational institutions are required to safeguard the privacy of student records, including immigrant status information. This includes limiting access to these records and obtaining written consent from students before releasing them.

3. Inclusion of Immigration Status in Confidential Records: Some states have specifically included immigration status as part of confidential records that are protected under state laws, such as California’s AB 540 Law which prohibits the disclosure of information about undocumented students.

4. Limiting Cooperation with Immigration Authorities: Many states have limited or prohibited cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities. This helps ensure that student information is not shared with immigration authorities without proper authorization.

5. Providing Resources for Undocumented Students: Several states have established specialized resources for undocumented students on college campuses, such as counseling services and legal assistance, to help protect their privacy and provide support.

6. Training on Privacy Protections: Some states require sensitivity training for faculty and staff on privacy protections for immigrant students to help them understand their obligations under FERPA and other relevant laws.

7. Support for “Sanctuary Campus” Declarations: A number of colleges have declared themselves “sanctuary campuses,” meaning they will not cooperate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws unless required by law. These declarations aim to create a safe environment for all students regardless of their immigration status.

8. Legal Assistance Programs for Students: Some states have established legal assistance programs specifically for undocumented students, providing them with free or low-cost legal support to help protect their rights and privacy on campus.

9. Student Organizations: Many college campuses have student organizations that advocate for immigrant student rights and provide resources and support for undocumented students. These groups also work towards creating a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.

10. Collaboration with Community Organizations: The state government may also collaborate with community organizations that work to protect the rights of immigrants, including on college campuses. These partnerships can help ensure that students receive support and guidance in protecting their privacy.

11. Public Awareness Campaigns: The state government may launch public awareness campaigns to educate students about their rights and resources available to them to protect their privacy on college campuses. This can include information on FERPA, non-disclosure policies, legal assistance programs, and other relevant resources.

12. Is there any legislation in place to provide support services, such as counseling and mentorship, specifically for immigrant students in Illinois?

Yes, there is legislation in place to provide support services for immigrant students in Illinois. The New Americans Initiative (NAI), established by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), provides a range of support services for immigrants, including educational programs, legal services, counseling, and mentorship opportunities.

Additionally, the Illinois Dream Act, passed in 2011, allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to apply for scholarships and financial aid at public universities and community colleges in Illinois. This act also created a task force to address the needs of immigrant students and make recommendations for additional support services.

Furthermore, several school districts in Illinois have policies and programs in place to support immigrant students and their families. These may include culturally-sensitive counseling services, English language learning programs, and mentorship initiatives specifically designed for immigrants.

Overall, while there is no specific legislation focused solely on providing support services for immigrant students in Illinois, there are multiple initiatives and programs at both state and local levels that aim to assist this population.

13. Does Illinois have any partnerships with community organizations or non-profits to provide resources and assistance for undocumented students pursuing higher education?

Yes, Illinois has several partnerships with community organizations and non-profits to provide resources and assistance for undocumented students pursuing higher education. These include:

1. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR): ICIRR is an immigrant advocacy organization that provides support and resources for undocumented individuals in their pursuit of higher education. They offer workshops, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts for issues affecting undocumented students.

2. The Resurrection Project: This Chicago-based organization offers a program called “El Valor de Nuestros Sueños” (The Value of Our Dreams), which provides academic support, college readiness workshops, mentorship programs, and financial aid assistance to undocumented students.

3. The Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA): LUCHA offers the “Conexiones Program,” which provides college advising and scholarship resources to undocumented students in the Chicago area.

4. The Illinois Dream Fund: This non-profit organization offers scholarships to undocumented students in Illinois who are unable to receive federal financial aid.

5. The Latino Policy Forum: This organization conducts research and advocates for policies that benefit the Latino community in Illinois, including supporting the educational success of undocumented students.

6. Immigrant Youth Justice League (IYJL): IYJL is a Chicago-based organization that provides legal assistance, advocacy efforts, and community support for undocumented youth and their families.

7. Roderick MacArthur Justice Center at Northwestern University: This center provides pro bono legal representation for immigrant communities in Illinois, including undocumented students facing barriers to higher education.

Overall, there are numerous partnerships between community organizations and non-profits in Illinois that work towards providing resources and assistance for undocumented students pursuing higher education.

14. Has there been any recent proposed legislation in Illinois aiming to improve access to higher education for immigrants?

As of April 2021, there has not been any recent proposed legislation in Illinois specifically targeting access to higher education for immigrants. However, there have been various bills and policies introduced or implemented in the state that aim to support immigrant communities and improve access to education for all populations, including immigrants.

One example is the “Access Illinois” bill (HB2691), which was introduced in 2019 and aims to provide state-funded financial assistance, including scholarships and grants, to eligible undocumented students attending public universities or community colleges in Illinois.

Additionally, the state recently passed a law (SB1265) that allows undocumented students to access scholarship funds from the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP). This legislation expands on an existing policy that allowed eligible undocumented students to receive in-state tuition at public universities.

Furthermore, Illinois also has various programs and initiatives in place, such as Undocumented Student Action Week and collaborations between colleges and organizations like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, aimed at providing resources and support for immigrant students pursuing higher education.

Overall, while there may not be one specific piece of legislation solely focused on improving access to higher education for immigrants in Illinois, there are multiple efforts and policies in place aimed at supporting this population.

15. Are there any restrictions on undocumented individuals attending public universities or colleges in Illinois?

There are no restrictions on undocumented individuals attending public universities or colleges in Illinois. The Illinois DREAM Act allows undocumented students to receive state-funded financial aid and scholarships. Additionally, public universities and colleges in Illinois may not consider immigration status when making admission decisions.

16. How does Illinois’s policy on tuition equity compare to neighboring states with similar demographics?

Illinois’s policy on tuition equity, also known as the Illinois Dream Act, allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to receive in-state tuition rates at the state’s public universities and community colleges. This policy is more inclusive than neighboring states like Wisconsin, Indiana, and Kentucky, where undocumented students do not have access to any form of financial aid or in-state tuition rates.

In Wisconsin, for example, undocumented students are not eligible for any state-funded financial aid programs, including in-state tuition rates. Similarly, in Indiana and Kentucky, undocumented students are not eligible for financial aid through state programs such as scholarships or grants. However, some individual institutions in these states may offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students on a case-by-case basis.

Compared to other neighboring states with similar demographics, Illinois is considered more progressive and inclusive in terms of providing equal educational opportunities for all students regardless of their immigration status. Additionally, Illinois has a significantly higher number of DACA recipients compared to its neighboring states, further highlighting the importance of policies like the Illinois Dream Act that support access to higher education for undocumented students.

17. What steps has the state government taken to address concerns about increased competition for limited spots in higher education institutions due to the enrollment of immigrant students?

a) Implementing policies to limit the enrollment of immigrant students in higher education institutions, such as capping the number of international students allowed per institution.
b) Providing financial assistance to low-income and disadvantaged students to ensure fair competition in the admissions process.
c) Developing programs and initiatives to support the academic success and retention of immigrant students in higher education.
d) Collaborating with universities and colleges to expand capacity and create more spots for all students, regardless of immigration status.
e) Encouraging public discourse and community dialogue about immigration and its impact on higher education, in order to address misunderstandings and promote inclusivity on campuses.

18. Is there a state-level support system in place to help immigrant students navigate the admissions process and access financial aid resources?

Yes, there are state-level support systems in place to help immigrant students navigate the admissions process and access financial aid resources. These may include state-based organizations or programs that specifically assist immigrant students with college admissions and financial aid, such as Dream Centers or Dream Resource Centers. Many states also offer tuition equity or in-state tuition rates for undocumented or DACA-eligible students. Additionally, state departments of education often have resources available for immigrant students, including information about college admissions and financial aid opportunities.

19. Has there been any notable success or impact on immigrant access to higher education since Illinois passed legislation supporting this issue?

Yes, there have been several notable successes and impacts on immigrant access to higher education in Illinois since the passing of legislation supporting this issue.

1. In-state tuition for undocumented students: The Illinois Dream Act, passed in 2011, allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in Illinois. This has made college more affordable for many immigrant students who previously had to pay out-of-state tuition rates.

2. Increased number of scholarships and financial aid opportunities: The Dream Fund, established by the Illinois Dream Act, provides scholarships and financial assistance for undocumented students to attend college. Private organizations and institutions have also created scholarship programs specifically for immigrant students.

3. Access to state financial aid: In 2019, Illinois passed a bill allowing undocumented students to apply for state financial aid as part of their education funding package. This means that eligible immigrant students can now receive additional financial support beyond just in-state tuition rates.

4. Creation of support programs and centers: Many colleges and universities in Illinois have established support programs and centers specifically for immigrant students, providing resources such as academic advising, career counseling, and legal services.

5. Increased enrollment of immigrant students: According to data from the University of Illinois System, since the implementation of the Dream Fund scholarship program in 2011, the enrollment of Hispanic/Latino international undergraduate students has increased by 78% across all three campuses (Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, Springfield).

6. Opportunities for professional development: Through initiatives like the Leadership Enhancement Academy Program (LEAP) at DePaul University and InternImmersion at Northeastern Illinois University, immigrant students are provided with resources to enhance their leadership skills and gain professional experience.

Overall, these successes have resulted in a significant increase in access to higher education for immigrants in Illinois. However, there is still more work to be done to ensure that all barriers are eliminated so that every student has an equal opportunity to pursue a higher education.

20. What are the ongoing efforts at the state level to continue improving immigrant access to higher education in Illinois?

1. The Illinois DREAM Act: This legislation, enacted in 2010, allows undocumented students who graduate from Illinois high schools to apply for financial aid at state universities and community colleges.

2. Inclusive Admissions Policies: Many universities and colleges in Illinois have adopted inclusive admissions policies that do not require applicants to disclose their immigration status or provide a Social Security number.

3. Undocumented Student Resource Centers: Several universities, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northeastern Illinois University, have established resource centers specifically for undocumented students to access information, support services, and scholarship opportunities.

4. Tuition Equity Laws: In 2015, Illinois passed a law allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at public universities and community colleges if they attended an Illinois high school for at least three years.

5. Advocacy and Support from Higher Education Institutions: Many universities and colleges in Illinois have publicly expressed their support for immigrant students and advocate for policies that promote their access to higher education.

6. Legal Aid Programs: Some institutions, like the University of Chicago, offer legal aid programs specifically for undocumented students to help them navigate the complex immigration system and obtain necessary documentation.

7. Partnerships with Community Organizations: Universities in Illinois are partnering with local community organizations to provide resources and support for immigrant students, such as hosting workshops on DACA or offering free legal advice.

8. Scholarships for Undocumented Students: Several universities in Illinois offer scholarships specifically for undocumented students, including Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University.

9. Financial Aid Resources: The state of Illinois provides resources such as the Student Assistance Commission’s “HECA” (Helping Everyone’s College Affordability) Center to assist immigrant families with understanding federal rules on financing postsecondary education.

10. Awareness Campaigns: Organizations like the Latino Policy Forum work towards educating policymakers about issues around college access through training sessions on various pathways available for aspiring college students from immigrant families.

11. International Admissions and Recruitment Programs: Many universities are actively recruiting international students, including undocumented students, to increase diversity on campus and provide educational opportunities to all qualified individuals.

12. Non-Discrimination Policies: Illinois has strong non-discrimination policies in place that prohibit discrimination against individuals based on immigration status, ensuring equal opportunity for all students.

13. Education and Outreach Efforts: Various organizations in Illinois are developing accessible resources and materials to educate immigrants about their rights as well as the opportunities available for higher education.

14. Partnerships with High Schools: Many universities have established partnerships with local high schools to provide information and support for immigrant students early on in their educational journey.

15. Support for DACA Recipients: Despite the uncertain future of DACA at the federal level, several universities in Illinois have pledged their support for DACA recipients by providing legal resources, financial aid, and counseling services.

16. Legislative Efforts: Organizations like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights advocate for state-level legislation that addresses issues faced by undocumented students, such as access to financial aid and tuition equity.

17. Mentorship Programs: Universities in Illinois have established mentorship programs that connect undocumented students with faculty or staff who can provide guidance and support throughout their academic journey.

18. Campus Inclusivity Initiatives: Many universities have implemented inclusivity initiatives that aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment for immigrant students, such as cultural events, language exchange programs, or student clubs/organizations focused on immigrant rights.

19. Academic Support Services: Universities offer academic support services like tutoring or study groups to help undocumented students succeed academically regardless of any challenges they may face due to their immigration status.

20 .Research on Immigrant Access to Higher Education: Several institutions in Illinois are conducting research on the barriers faced by immigrant students in accessing higher education and advocating for evidence-based policies to address these challenges.