Florida Votes to Ban Illegal Immigrants from Public Colleges and Universities
Maria Herrera Mellado Maria Herrera Mellado July 3, 2026 10:47 am
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The Florida State Board of Education voted 6–1 on Tuesday to prohibit illegal immigrants from enrolling in the state's 28 public colleges and adult education programs .
Under the new policy , institutions within the Florida College System will only admit US citizens or individuals lawfully present in the country. Applicants must attest to their legal status and provide supporting documentation before enrolling. The rule also applies to adult general education programs , including GED classes .
This action builds on last year's repetition of in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrants. Governor Ron DeSantis and state leaders have stated that Florida's public resources , funded by the state's hardworking taxpayers , should prioritize American citizens and legal residents , rather than individuals who entered the country illegally.
The Florida Board of Governors , which oversees the state's 12 public universities , advanced a similar measure last week. Beginning with the 2027–2028 academic year , individuals unlawfully present in the United States will be ineligible for initial enrollment at selective public universities . A final vote is still pending, but the proposal is expected to move forward.
These policies send a strong message to other states and the federal government: Florida will not subsidize or reward illegal immigration through taxpayer-funded higher education .
https://gatewayhispanic.com/2026/07/florida-votes-ban-illegal-immigrants-public-colleges-universities/
