University president opens up scholarship to undocumented students

By Sean Powers/Illinois Public Media/University of Illinois President Michael Hogan says he has set up a scholarship fund that is available to students who are U.S. citizens and undocumented immigrants.

Students who are not living in this country lawfully have been ineligible for scholarships in Illinois, but that changed this month after Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation known as the Illinois Dream Act. The measure opens up privately funded college scholarships to illegal immigrants.

Hogan said he gave a $100,000 contribution to the University of Illinois Foundation for the scholarship, which will be for students majoring in history. He said every student should have a chance to get into the U of I, regardless of their legal status.

“It’s both need and merit based,” Hogan explained. “They’re in a great position now to make a long-time contribution to the well-being of our state, and sustain a great reputation of the university.”

Students can apply for the U of I scholarship through financial aid.

Gov. Quinn said he plans to appoint a nine-member commission by the middle of September to oversee scholarships created as a result of the Illinois Dream Act. Students must have at least one immigrant parent and must have attended school in Illinois for at least three years to qualify for scholarship money.

Illinois and several other states already provide undocumented students in-state tuition.