State Senator Introduces Bill to Repeal "Dreamer" Tuition Waiver
Background
For a decade, children brought into the country illegally by their undocumented parents have been able to enroll in a state college or university for the same fee as in-state residents, if they attended a Florida high school for three years. This benefit was designed to help young immigrants known as "dreamers" achieve their educational goals.
New Bill
State Senator Randy Fine, a Brevard County Republican, has introduced a bill to repeal this law, which would end the educational benefit for dreamers. Fine claims that the state spent $45 million to provide out-of-state tuition waivers to undocumented college and university students in 2021, but his staff did not respond to questions about the source of this figure.
Repeal Efforts
Fine’s bill revives an effort to squelch the dreamers’ benefit that Gov. Ron DeSantis and some other Republicans tried – and failed – to make part of an immigration reform package in 2023. Fine’s move is seen as an attempt to score political points with conservative voters, especially Trump supporters.
Consequences
If the bill passes, dreamers would have to pay out-of-state rates, which are three to four times more than in-state tuition. For example, at the University of Central Florida, out-of-state tuition is over $22,000, compared to the in-state rate of about $6,300.
Reactions
Reps. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, and Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, have criticized the bill, saying it is a "mean-spirited and petty attack on immigrants" and an attempt to score political points.
Background on Dreamers
More than 43,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in Florida’s public colleges or universities, making up just a sliver of the more than 1 million enrolled. Florida is one of at least 18 states that provide in-state tuition for young adults brought as children into the U.S. by their undocumented parents.
Conclusion
The repeal of the tuition waiver would have significant consequences for the thousands of dreamers who have already invested in their education and contribute to the state’s economy. It is essential to recognize the value of these students and the benefits they bring to the state, rather than attempting to score political points.
FAQs
Q: What is the "dreamer" tuition waiver?
A: The "dreamer" tuition waiver is a law that allows children brought into the country illegally by their undocumented parents to enroll in a state college or university for the same fee as in-state residents, if they attended a Florida high school for three years.
Q: Why is the bill being introduced?
A: The bill is being introduced to repeal the tuition waiver, which was designed to help young immigrants known as "dreamers" achieve their educational goals.
Q: What are the consequences of repealing the tuition waiver?
A: If the bill passes, dreamers would have to pay out-of-state rates, which are three to four times more than in-state tuition.
Q: What is the current number of undocumented students enrolled in Florida’s public colleges or universities?
A: More than 43,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in Florida’s public colleges or universities, making up just a sliver of the more than 1 million enrolled.
