Florida legislation aims to prohibit unauthorized immigrant students from attending certain public universities.

A Florida state legislator has introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting certain public colleges and universities from admitting undocumented immigrants. This initiative comes shortly after Governor Ron DeSantis called for a special legislative session to align with President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration strategies.

State Senator Randy Fine, a Republican who is also campaigning for a congressional seat to replace Mike Waltz—Trump’s choice for national security advisor—filed the proposal on Tuesday. Fine expressed his view, stating that allowing undocumented immigrants to occupy spaces in educational institutions ought to be reconsidered, emphasizing that these opportunities should be reserved for Floridians and American citizens instead.

Although representatives from Florida’s public higher education systems have not immediately disclosed the potential impact of Fine’s bill, it seeks to prevent schools with an acceptance rate lower than 85% from enrolling students who do not possess legal immigration status. Major universities like the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, and Florida International University would likely be affected by this legislation, according to the admissions data available from these institutions.

This legislative effort signifies a considerable shift in state policy, particularly in a state estimated to have around 1.2 million unauthorized immigrants residing within its borders, as per the Pew Research Center. Currently, undocumented students have the opportunity to receive in-state tuition at public colleges. Additionally, Fine has proposed another bill to overturn this tuition benefit.

During the 2023-2024 academic year, approximately 6,500 students without legal status were eligible for waivers to pay in-state tuition rates in Florida’s public colleges and universities, as reported by the nonprofit Florida Policy Institute. Nationally, there are three states that restrict admissions for undocumented students in certain colleges, while around half the states have provisions in place for these students to access in-state tuition benefits, as stated by the National Immigration Law Center.

Gaby Pacheco, the leader of TheDream.US—a scholarship organization assisting undocumented students—criticized Fine’s proposal, describing it as “harmful” and “self-defeating,” especially as Florida educational institutions are experiencing dwindling enrollment numbers. She emphasized the long-term contributions of individuals who have spent years living in the state, voicing concern about the implications of removing those who consider Florida their home.

Governor DeSantis has indicated that the special session is set to commence after Trump’s inauguration on January 20, asserting the importance of statewide measures that align with the incoming administration’s plans to reinforce immigration policies and deter illegal immigration into Florida. DeSantis has pushed his own anti-immigration stance during his pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination.

Challenges have arisen from influential Republican figures in the legislature, who have characterized the push for a special session as “premature” and “irresponsible.” Following the proposed session, Trump expressed appreciation for DeSantis’s efforts, suggesting that other governors might be inspired to take similar actions.

Fine has joined others in the Republican party who have voiced their backing for Trump’s policies while also criticizing the governor’s call for a hastily organized special session, stating there was a lack of substantial legislative proposals accompanying it.