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FLORIDA - A new legislative proposal in Florida aims to revoke in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students, a move that could affect more than 40,000 individuals pursuing higher education.
State Senator Randy Fine, recently endorsed by former President Donald Trump for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, introduced the bill.
Sen. Fine argues that allocating approximately $45 million to support undocumented students' education is unjust to Florida taxpayers facing economic challenges.
He told First Coast News, "Illegal immigrants should go to college where they're from, not in the United States."
Since 2014, Florida law has permitted undocumented students, including DACA recipients, to pay in-state tuition rates, significantly lower than out-of-state fees.
The average in-state tuition is about $6,200, compared to $28,000 for non-residents.
It's important to note that DACA recipients are not classified as "illegal immigrants" under current legislation.
State Representative Angie Nixon criticized the bill, describing it as a diversion from pressing issues affecting Floridians.
She emphasized the potential negative impact on the state's economy and workforce, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education that are experiencing shortages.
Nixon told First Coast News, "We should be focusing on the shortages that we have in terms of health care, addressing the shortages in terms of educators... That's a problem for me."
For the bill to become law, it must pass both legislative chambers and receive Governor Ron DeSantis's approval. If enacted, the policy would take effect on July 1, 2025.