A Florida state lawmaker has introduced a bill that would prohibit certain public colleges and universities in the state from admitting immigrants who are in the country without legal authorization. The proposal comes in the wake of Governor Ron DeSantis' call for a special legislative session to assist in the implementation of President-elect Donald Trump's immigration policies.
The bill was filed by a Republican state senator who is also a congressional candidate seeking to replace a current representative. The lawmaker argues that it is unfair to allow undocumented immigrants to occupy spots that could otherwise go to Floridian or American students.
While the exact number of students who could be impacted by the proposed bill is not immediately clear, institutions such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, and Florida International University could be affected based on their admissions data.
If passed, the bill would represent a significant policy shift in Florida, a state with an estimated 1.2 million undocumented immigrants. Currently, students without legal authorization can qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in the state, a provision that the bill seeks to repeal.
According to the National Immigration Law Center, three states currently prohibit undocumented students from enrolling in certain colleges, while half of the states have policies allowing such students to qualify for in-state tuition.
Advocates for immigrant students have criticized the proposed bill, calling it harmful and self-defeating, particularly at a time when Florida schools are experiencing declines in enrollment. They argue that removing long-term residents from educational opportunities is detrimental to the community.
Governor DeSantis, who initiated the call for a special session to align with Trump's immigration agenda, has faced opposition from some Republican leaders in the legislature who view the move as premature and irresponsible. Despite differing opinions within the party, the governor's stance on supporting stricter immigration measures remains firm.
The debate surrounding the proposed bill reflects broader discussions on immigration policy at both the state and national levels, highlighting the complexities and challenges associated with addressing undocumented immigration in the United States.
