Senate President Suggests Phasing Out "Dreamer" Tuition Benefit in Florida
Lawmaker Proposes Gradual Approach
Senate President Ben Albritton on Monday suggested phasing out a decade-old law that allows some undocumented immigrant students, known as "dreamers," to receive in-state tuition rates at Florida universities and colleges. Albritton’s proposal comes as a bill (SB 90) filed by Sen. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, this month seeks to repeal the law.
Background
The law, approved by lawmakers and then-Gov. Rick Scott in 2014, allows undocumented immigrant students to avoid higher out-of-state tuition rates if they meet certain criteria. The students need to have attended a secondary school in Florida for three consecutive years immediately before graduating from high school and must apply to a college or university within two years of graduation.
Fine’s Bill
Fine, who is running in a special election for a congressional seat, filed his repeal bill on December 6. He estimated the repeal would cut about $45 million subsidy for undocumented students. Fine contended that Florida is offering a "better deal" to undocumented immigrants than to students from other parts of the U.S.
Albritton’s Proposal
Albritton suggested a gradual approach that would take into account students who already receive the tuition benefit or who are making plans to attend colleges or universities at the cheaper in-state rates. He proposed putting a "sunset" on the law, a legislative term that usually involves setting a future date to end a law or program.
Constitutionality
Albritton also emphasized the importance of citizenship, stating, "I believe that citizenship matters. It should matter. It is what this country was founded on." The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates can be significant, ranging from $6,517 to $21,683 at Florida State University and from $6,381 to $28,658 at the University of Florida.
Conclusion
The fate of the "dreamer" tuition benefit in Florida remains uncertain as the state’s 60-day legislative session is set to start on March 4. Albritton’s proposal to phase out the law is a compromise, but Fine’s bill aims to repeal the law entirely. The debate highlights the complexities of immigration policy and the challenges faced by undocumented students seeking higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the "dreamer" tuition benefit?
A: The "dreamer" tuition benefit allows undocumented immigrant students to receive in-state tuition rates at Florida universities and colleges if they meet certain criteria.
Q: What is the current state of the law?
A: The law was approved by lawmakers and then-Gov. Rick Scott in 2014, and it allows undocumented immigrant students to avoid higher out-of-state tuition rates if they meet certain criteria.
Q: What is the purpose of Sen. Fine’s bill?
A: Sen. Fine’s bill aims to repeal the law entirely, estimating that it would cut about $45 million subsidy for undocumented students.
Q: What is the stance of Senate President Ben Albritton on the issue?
A: Albritton suggested phasing out the law, proposing a gradual approach that would take into account students who already receive the tuition benefit or who are making plans to attend colleges or universities at the cheaper in-state rates.
