The Florida Board of Education has taken a decisive step by approving two new regulations that will bar undocumented immigrants from enrolling in the state's 28 public colleges and adult education programs. This move, announced on Wednesday, is expected to impact thousands of young individuals who graduate from high schools in Florida without legal immigration status each year.
In a virtual meeting, the board adopted policies requiring applicants to provide "clear and convincing" documentation proving their U.S. citizenship or legal residency to access institutions offering technical careers, professional programs, and four-year degrees, as reported by Efe.
The second regulation extends this restriction to public adult education programs, including GED prep courses and English classes for non-native speakers (ESOL).
According to estimates discussed during the meeting, approximately 8,000 undocumented students graduating from Florida high schools annually will be affected. Previously, these students could continue their education at state colleges.
Civil rights organizations have criticized the approval process, noting that many public comments were not heard before the vote. Florida Student Power stated that numerous students, residents, and business owners expressed opposition via phone, but the public comment period ended before all voices were heard.
Farah Al Jallad, an organizer for Justice for Migrants within the organization, condemned the decision as "a blatant disregard for the voices of Floridians and a direct abandonment of our democratic values."
Alexander V., a student at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and a DACA recipient, shared his story during the hearing. He explained that starting his education at a state college was the only financially feasible way to later attend university, a path now potentially closed for many in similar situations.
The financial implications for educational institutions could be significant. The Florida Policy Institute projects an annual loss of around $15 million in tuition revenue due to the ban. Miami-Dade College faces a potential revenue drop of about $1.8 million, while Palm Beach State College could lose approximately $1 million.
The new regulations are part of Governor Ron DeSantis's broader agenda to toughen immigration policies. In February 2025, he signed into law SB 2C, which removed in-state tuition rates for undocumented students, including DACA recipients, drastically increasing their educational costs by up to 300% and affecting around 6,500 students.
This recent decision follows another proposal from the Florida Board of Governors last week, which aims to extend similar bans to the 12 public universities within the State University System. This proposal is set for a 14-day public comment period and a final vote in September. If implemented for the 2027-2028 academic year, Florida will join Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina in partially or fully restricting undocumented students' access to public higher education.
Impact of Florida's New Education Restrictions
How will the new regulations affect undocumented students in Florida?
The regulations will prevent approximately 8,000 undocumented students graduating from Florida high schools each year from enrolling in public colleges and adult education programs.
What financial impact will the new regulations have on Florida's educational institutions?
The Florida Policy Institute estimates an annual loss of $15 million in tuition revenue, affecting institutions like Miami-Dade College and Palm Beach State College significantly.
What are the broader implications of Governor DeSantis's immigration policies?
Governor DeSantis's policies, including the elimination of in-state tuition for undocumented students, reflect a stringent approach to immigration, significantly impacting the educational opportunities and financial burdens for these students.