Florida bill proposes out-of-state tuition for DACA students

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Published  December 10, 2024 9:33pm EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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Bill proposes out-of-state tuition for DACA students

A new bill proposed by Florida State Sen. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, could require high school graduates with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to pay out-of-state tuition for college, sparking a heated debate over higher education funding for undocumented immigrants.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A new bill proposed by Florida State Sen. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, could require high school graduates with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to pay out-of-state tuition for college, sparking a heated debate over higher education funding for undocumented immigrants. 

Fine argues the state cannot afford to subsidize tuition for individuals who are not legal residents, claiming the policy costs Florida $45 million annually.

"This is about ensuring people who shouldn’t be in the country aren’t getting discounted educations," Fine said, emphasizing that DACA students should pay the full cost of attending state universities. 

Under his legislation, students would no longer qualify for in-state tuition rates, which currently average $6,143 for the 2024-2025 academic year. Out-of-state tuition at schools like the University of Florida approaches $30,000, according to U.S. News & World Report.

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State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, has voiced strong opposition, saying the proposed change would create insurmountable financial barriers for students who have lived in Florida most of their lives. 

"These are students who have only known the United States as home," Eskamani said, adding that many DACA students do not qualify for scholarships and are already at a financial disadvantage.

If passed, the bill would apply to Florida’s 12 state universities and 28 state colleges. While Fine’s previous attempts to pass similar legislation have failed, opponents worry that increased national focus on immigration issues could give the measure momentum this year. 

"I am concerned this policy may have legs this year," Eskamani said.

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