In a recent move, Florida Senate President Ben Albritton has proposed phasing out a law from 2014 that allows undocumented students, known as ‘Dreamers,’ to pay in-state tuition at Florida’s universities and colleges. This development follows the introduction of a bill by Senator Randy Fine, aimed at repealing this decade-old provision.
Currently, an estimated 40,000 undocumented students are benefiting from in-state tuition rates as per the data from the American Immigration Council and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. Albritton suggested a gradual phase-out of the law would be considerate to students who are either currently benefiting from reduced tuition or planning to attend college under these provisions. The phrasing out could potentially involve a ‘sunset’ clause, which would set a future date for the law to expire, thereby giving affected families time to adjust their educational plans and budgets accordingly.
The original law, approved in 2014, grants in-state tuition rates to undocumented students who have attended a Florida secondary school for three consecutive years prior to graduation. Moreover, these students must apply to a state college or university within two years of graduating from high school. Senator Fine, who introduced the repeal bill, argues that the current system offers more favorable tuition rates to undocumented students than it does to out-of-state residents from other parts of the United States. Fine has emphasized the financial impact, estimating a $45 million reduction in state support if the law is repealed.
Fine, who is participating in a special election for a congressional seat, has linked this financial aspect to a broader narrative, questioning the fairness of asking Floridians to subsidize tuition for students he labels as “illegal immigrants.” His position is compounded by his campaign to replace U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, who is departing to join President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet as a national security adviser.
Back in 2014, the law was passed amidst considerable debate and was a priority for then-House Speaker Will Weatherford. It was also supported by Jeanette Nunez, now the lieutenant governor of Florida. President Albritton, who opposed the law back then, continues to advocate for the significance of citizenship, emphasizing that national identity should play a role in educational benefits. Differences in tuition costs are stark: for instance, in-state students at Florida State University pay about $6,517, whereas out-of-state students pay $21,683. Similarly, at the University of Florida, in-state tuition is about $6,381 compared to $28,658 for non-residents.
The legislation affecting Dreamers’ educational prospects in Florida remains a contentious issue. As political and financial debates continue, the future of in-state tuition for undocumented students hangs in the balance, reflecting broader discussions on immigration and educational policy in the state.
Source: Nbcmiami
