SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio championed a new law requiring public colleges and universities to waive transcript evaluation fees for refugees of Iraq and Afghanistan.

“This is a small but significant way to honor the sacrifices made by our Iraqi and Afghan allies,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), who served alongside Iraqi and Afghan translators during Operation Iraqi Freedom and as a police advisor during the war in Afghanistan. “We have a moral obligation to support those who have served shoulder to shoulder with us, and by waiving foreign transcript evaluation fees, we are removing barriers to their education and professional opportunities, helping them rebuild their lives and continue contributing to our communities.” 

Transcript evaluations assess foreign transcripts as part of the admissions process for higher education institutions. These evaluations are used to establish a U.S.-equivalent GPA, verify the accreditation of the foreign school, and benchmark completed coursework to determine if the applicant has met the prerequisite coursework requirements for their intended program.

Some colleges and universities require applicants with foreign transcripts to pay a fee to outside vendors to evaluate the transcripts. Transcript evaluation fees vary widely in price, but they usually cost over $100. Porfirio’s new law requires public higher education institutions in Illinois to waive these fees for Iraqi and Afghan refugees.

“This law acknowledges the bravery and sacrifice many of these individuals have shown, often at great personal risk,” said Porfirio. “Ensuring refugees have the support they need to pursue their educational and career goals without unnecessary financial burdens is essential for providing them with a smoother path to reestablish their futures here.”

Senate Bill 2690 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect immediately.