Florida This Tuesday, June 30, toughened its immigration policies in the educational field by approving regulations that will prevent undocumented immigrants enroll in the 28 public university colleges (State Colleges) of the state, a decision that will also affect public adult education programs.
The measure was approved by the Florida Board of Education and establishes that in order to register, applicants must demonstrate that they are American citizens or that have a legal immigration status in the United States.
What institutions will be subject to the new rule?
The regulation applies to 28 state collegesinstitutions that offer technical careers, technological programs and, in many cases, four-year bachelor’s degrees.
In addition, the ban will also extend to public adult education programs, including:
- Preparation for the High School Equivalency Test (GED)
- English courses for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
According to state authorities, the regulations will begin to apply from academic year 2027-2028so it will not affect students who are already enrolled.
Thousands could be left without access
Pro-immigrant organizations estimate that the decision will affect about eight thousand undocumented students who graduate from high schools in Florida every year and seek to continue their higher education.
Until now, these students They could enroll in public colleges, although they did not have access to federal financial aid and faced various restrictions that have been tightened in recent years.
According to an analysis of Florida Policy Institute (FPI)the measure could also represent a loss close to US$15 million annually for the state due to decreased revenue from tuition and other academic payments.
Florida lawmakers react after the state Board of Education voted to approve a rule that would ban undocumented immigrants from public colleges. Another rule for public universities is under consideration. pic.twitter.com/pJUPv7kW2y
—Spectrum Bay News 9 (@BN9) July 1, 2026
The approval of the regulations generated criticism from students, organizations defending the rights of immigrants and businessmen who participated in the public hearing convened by the Board of Education.
The organization Florida Student Power He reported that the period for receiving comments ended before all registered people could intervene.
Farah Al Jallad, organizer of Justice for Migrants of that organization, stated that the decision represents “a clear disregard for the voice of Floridians” and will limit the educational opportunities of thousands of young people who grew up and studied in the state.
For its part, Alexander V.student of the University of Central Florida (UCF) and beneficiary of the program DACApointed out that beginning his studies at a state university college was the only economic option he had to later access university.
Restrictions for universities
The decision is part of a broader tightening of immigration policies in Florida.
Last week, the Florida Board of Governors began a similar process to require proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status as a requirement for admission to the public universities of the state, a proposal that is still being evaluated.
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