Dupage Policy Journal

Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, has criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for signing legislation that extends financial aid to all residents regardless of immigration status. Cortes expressed his views on the matter through a statement made on X.

"JB Pritzker continues to prioritize foreigners — including illegals — over American citizens," said Cortes.

In August 2025, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 460 into law, which expands state financial aid to include undocumented, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and mixed-status students in programs such as the Monetary Award Program. According to Capitol News Illinois, supporters argue that this move ensures fairness in access to education, while critics contend it places an additional burden on taxpayers and may divert funds from citizens.

Axios reports that approximately 400,000 undocumented immigrants reside in Illinois, constituting about 4% of the state's population. Nearly 70% of these individuals have lived in Illinois for over a decade, positioning the state among the top ten with the highest number of undocumented residents.

Capitol News Illinois highlights that the original RISE Act of 2019 was anticipated to expand financial aid access to around 3,000 to 3,500 students. However, there is no updated official estimate regarding how many more will benefit under the new expansion or its projected cost. Critics remain concerned about increased strain on Monetary Award Program grant resources.

Cortes is known as a political commentator and strategist who served as a senior advisor during Donald Trump's presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020. His Wikipedia biography notes his previous work with CNBC and appearances on CNN and Newsmax. In 2022, he founded the League of American Workers to advocate for populist conservative policies.