Carlie, a student from Haiti, never imagined that her final year at the University of Central Florida would be overshadowed by fear, isolation, and virtual learning. Her aspirations of graduating with a degree in public relations and working with organizations supporting students like herself have been disrupted.
According to reports by Univision, following the loss of eligibility for in-state tuition, Carlie now attends classes from her apartment, avoiding even grocery shopping due to the fear of being detained by immigration authorities. She is among thousands of undocumented students in Florida whose higher education prospects have become uncertain.
The Legal Shift and Its Consequences
The crisis began when Florida lawmakers repealed a 2014 law that allowed residents without legal status to pay tuition rates similar to state residents. This legislation, signed into effect by Governor Ron DeSantis and supported by the Trump administration, took effect on July 1. More than 6,500 students qualified for tuition waivers during the 2023-2024 academic year. Without this waiver, a non-resident student's annual tuition can exceed $30,900, compared to the $6,380 paid by state residents, not including housing, transportation, and other expenses.
Ironically, the now-repealed law was initially advocated by former Republican state legislator Jeanette Nuñez, who currently holds the position of Lieutenant Governor. Her change in stance highlights how Florida's immigration policies have aligned with the federal government's priorities.
Personal Stories of Struggle
The impact of these policy changes is profound. Diego Dulanto Falcon, who completed a Psychology degree with the help of the tuition waiver and is now pursuing a Master's in Public Health, vividly describes the situation: "Undocumented students have no options. They either work informally or not at all."
David, a young Honduran, had prepared throughout high school to attend college, but now finds himself employed at a fast-food restaurant due to the inability to afford tuition. "I did exactly what I was told to do: study. But it wasn't enough," he shared with Univision.
Broader Implications Across the Nation
This shift isn't confined to Florida. The Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against states like Texas, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Oklahoma to eliminate educational benefits for undocumented immigrants. In Texas, a similar law was blocked by a federal judge in June. Meanwhile, the Department of Education is scrutinizing universities that award scholarships to students without immigration status.
"The notion that all of this can be taken away so cruelly is disheartening to educators," remarked Rosie Curts, a math teacher in Dallas.
Adapting to New Realities
Carlie has enrolled online at Purdue Global University, though some credits were not recognized, forcing her to change her major. She chose online schooling due to safety concerns, as over a dozen universities in Florida, including UCF, have agreements with ICE for immigration enforcement operations. She remains confined to her apartment, receiving food deliveries, and lives hours away from her family in Miami.
"I'm trying to get my life back on track," she concludes. "But I can't stay home forever."
Similar tensions are felt in Florida schools, where the removal of policies shielding schools from immigration raids has turned campuses into spaces of fear for countless students across the United States. Two major teacher unions have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allowing immigration arrests in schools and churches, which has incited fear, dropout rates, and anxiety among students, educators, and families.
Understanding Florida's Tuition Policy Changes for Undocumented Students
What changes were made to Florida's tuition policy for undocumented students?
Florida lawmakers repealed a 2014 law that allowed undocumented residents to pay in-state tuition rates, significantly increasing the cost of education for these students.
How has the new policy affected undocumented students financially?
Without the tuition waiver, undocumented students face tuition costs exceeding $30,900 annually, compared to $6,380 for state residents, not including other living expenses.
What are the broader implications of this policy change?
The policy change reflects a shift in Florida's immigration priorities and aligns with federal government objectives, impacting educational opportunities for undocumented students statewide.