Chicago Sun-Times
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois -- Illegal immigrants with "B" averages would be eligible for state-backed student loans if a controversial Senate proposal becomes law.
Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) has called for the state to establish a taxpayer-funded student loan fund from which Illinois residents -- regardless of their citizenship -- could borrow to pay for their academic careers.
"Whether you're a citizen or a permanent legal resident or an immigrant, you . . . should have a right to an education," Sandoval said.
Sandoval's loan program fell one vote short of passage Thursday but was kept alive through a parliamentary move.
Posted by tyne at May 15, 2007