Lisa Hernandez Introduces Measure Expanding College Tuition Assistance for DREAMers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Elizabeth ‘Lisa’ Hernandez, D-Cicero, has introduced a measure to expand tuition assistance for immigrant college hopefuls. 

“While the Trump Administration tries to do everything it can to keep immigrant students out of our universities, here in Illinois we’re making sure they have an equal shot at a college education,” Hernandez said. “Attending an Illinois university should be the product of your transcripts, not your citizenship status. This measure will allow the millions of Illinoisans who send money overseas to donate a portion of their transaction to the Illinois DREAM Fund, which has already helped send thousands of students of mixed citizen status to college. We can make a real difference in the lives of these young people, and I look forward to continuing to advance this.” 

Hernandez’s House Bill 4533 would allow those who send money overseas to opt to donate to the Illinois DREAM Fund, a scholarship program for immigrant students that graduate from Illinois high schools. Under this new measure, customers would be prompted to provide a donation before the completion of their money transfer transaction.

Hernandez has previously authored legislation to expand donation-based tuition assistance for DREAMers, passing House Bill 3233 in 2023. 

For more information, visit ILGA.gov.