Florida Sen. Randy Fine (R) has proposed a bill that would require high school graduates with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to pay out-of-state college tuition.
Fine argued that the state cannot afford to subsidize tuition for students who are not legally in the country, and that a policy passed in 2014 to provide in-state tuition costs Florida $45 million a year. It is claimed that it costs.
Under SB 90, DACA students would no longer be eligible to pay in-state tuition, which averages $6,143 for the 2024-2025 academic year, according to the Florida State University System. For example, in-state tuition at the University of Florida is $6,381, while out-of-state tuition is $28,658, according to U.S. News & World Report.
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Florida Sen. Randy Fine has proposed a bill that would require high school graduates with DACA status to pay out-of-state college tuition. (Getty Images)
“As Florida's blue-collar residents struggle to make ends meet, $45 million a year is being spent to subsidize sweetheart deals for college degrees for people who shouldn't be here,” Fine said in a statement. It's unfair to ask them to pay for it.”
“This is an easy way to reduce the size of government and free up resources to help Floridians in need,” he continued. “We must put Floridians first, and I am proud to do my part to help rebalance the scales for Floridians.”
The bill does not change the admissions policies of Florida's 12 state universities and 28 state universities.
The bill does not change the admissions policies of Florida's 12 state universities and 28 state universities. (Getty Images)
Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani voiced strong opposition to the bill, arguing that the proposed changes would create significant financial barriers for students who have lived most of their lives in Florida.
“These are students who have only known America as home,” Eskamani was quoted as saying. fox 13.
Eskamani also pointed out that many DACA students are not eligible for scholarships and are already economically disadvantaged.
According to Fox 13, Fine claims the bill is aimed at “making sure that people who shouldn't be in the country don't get discounted education.”
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Fine argues that the state cannot afford to subsidize tuition for students who are not legally in the country. (Getty Images)
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Mr. Fine's previous attempts to pass similar legislation have failed, but there is growing interest in immigration issues across the country, with President-elect Trump pledging mass deportations during his second term. Democrats are concerned that the bill could gain traction this time.
“I am concerned that this policy will take effect this year,” Eskamani said.
Fine, who was elected to the state Senate last month, will resign from the Legislature on March 31 to run for the House seat expected to be vacated by his nominee, Rep. Michael Walz (R-Fla.). Trump has indicated that he will become White House National Security Adviser.
