Advocacy in Illinois
In-State Tuition for Illinois Dreamers
IL Dreamers need your help!
A July 2026 judicial ruling, following an earlier U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit, has blocked in-state tuition access for Illinois Dreamers for the time being – despite Illinois elected officials’ and broad community support for tuition equity policies. Making in-state tuition less accessible for Illinois Dreamers flies in the face of the stories and statistics of TheDream.US Scholars and Alumni in Illinois, who demonstrate why policies like Dreamers’ tuition equity strengthen the entire state.
For example, as our recent report on Chicago’s success integrating Dreamers highlights (see more below), more than 370 TheDream.US Illinois Scholars are now college graduates, with 92% employed or self-employed, serving in every sector in the state economy and contributing an estimated $2.5 million in annual local and federal taxes. Today, 38% of our current TheDream.US IL Scholars are seniors; they are just one year away from graduating.
- Your support is critical, if you would like to support the urgent funding need for Illinois Dreamers’ higher education, click HERE.
- Read more about TheDream.US reaction to Illinois in-state tuition ruling in an August 2026 press release: HERE.
- Watch a TheDream.US video on why blocking in-state tuition in Illinois harms the entire state HERE.
Illinois Dreamers: Data, Impact, and Opportunity
Illinois is home to a vibrant and growing immigrant community—nearly 1.8 million immigrants, representing about 14% of the state’s population—and they play a critical role in sustaining the state’s workforce, economy, and long-term growth.
Among them are thousands of Dreamers—young people who have grown up in Illinois, pursued higher education, and are contributing to their communities and local economies every day.
Yet despite their contributions, many Dreamers remain locked out of full opportunity due to the lack of permanent legal status—limiting their ability to work, build careers, and fully participate in the state they call home.
New Report: When Dreamers Rise, Our Cities Rise
To better understand both the promise and the barriers facing Dreamers in Illinois, TheDream.US has published a new report: When Dreamers Rise, Our Cities Rise.
This report brings together data, lived experiences, and policy analysis to highlight what’s at stake—not just for Dreamers, but for Chicago and the state as a whole.
Key Findings
- Dreamers are deeply rooted in Illinois—educated in local schools and colleges and committed to building their futures here.
- They are a critical part of the workforce pipeline, especially in high-demand sectors that drive regional economic growth.
- Legal uncertainty is the single greatest barrier, limiting career mobility, income potential, and long-term stability.
- When Dreamers succeed, Illinois benefits—through increased earnings, higher tax contributions, and stronger communities.
- Policy solutions exist—and advancing pathways to legal status would unlock significant economic and social gains for the state.
Why It Matters
Illinois—and Chicago in particular—has long positioned itself as a welcoming place for immigrants. But without permanent protections, Dreamers are prevented from fully contributing at the level their talent and education make possible.
Investing in Dreamers is not just about individual opportunity—it’s about strengthening the state’s economy, workforce, and future competitiveness.
Explore the Full Report
Dive deeper into the data, stories, and policy recommendations:
- Download the full report (PDF):
Take Action
Real progress requires action from all of us.
Policymakers: Advance pathways to permanent legal status and protect access to education and careers.
Funders: Invest in scholarships, career pathways, and advocacy that unlock opportunity for Dreamers.
Employers: Build inclusive hiring pipelines and support policies that expand workforce access to an existing talent pipeline.
Community Members: Share this report, support Dreamer-serving organizations, and use your voice to advocate.
When Dreamers rise, our cities rise. Join us in making that future possible.