Supporters of a Florida bill that would allow local high school graduates to pay in-state college tuition – regardless of of immigration status – are hoping that the state Senate approves the idea, following passage on March 20 in the state House of Representatives. Image may be NSFW.
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The bill, HB 851, was approved with 81-33 votes, according to the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC). Five lawmakers absent. About 175,000 undocumented youth grew up in the state but pay up to four times in college tuition because they are treated as out-of-state students, the group, which works on social justice issues, said.
“Florida’s leaders are finally showing that they want to keep moving forward with all our youth,” Jorge Tume, a Miami student who lacks immigration documents, said in a statement. “I was raised with the belief that education is the key to success.”
Tume, a leader of Students Working for Equal Rights, explained that the House bill was amended and would not cover all undocumented students. Tume said he remained committed to working on legislation that would help all students in Florida have affordable access to higher education.
“Our hearts are full of hope, not only for thousands of our youth and their families who might be able to finally afford their dream of an education, if this bill becomes law, but also for the future of our state,” Maria Rodriguez, executive director of FLIC, said in a statement. “Investing in the education of our youth will bring the best returns to the Sunshine State.”
Republicans who voted against the bill have said that people whose families broke U.S. immigration law should not be rewarded, The Associated Press reported.
The push for in-state tuition for undocumented youth who were brought to the country by their parents when they were younger remains a key issue for immigrants and grassroots groups throughout the country.
At least 15 states have policies that permit undocumented youth to pay in-state tuition for college, according to The Associated Press.
The Florida House bill was introduced by state Rep. Jeanette Nunez. Gov. Rick Scott supports the bill, FLIC said.
Founded in 1998, the Florida Immigrant Coalition works on human rights issues. More than 30 organizations are members of FLIC.
