Florida in-state tuition in jeopardy for undocumented students
Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing for immigration reforms in Florida, including cutting in-state tuition for undocumented students.
Lawmakers are being called back to the Capitol for a special session on January 27, and one of the governor's key goals is to curb immigration and assistance to undocumented people.
The law providing undocumented students with in-state tuition rates was signed by former governor and fellow republican Rick Scott. It was originally proposed by DeSantis' Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez in the 2014 legislative session.
But now, DeSantis wants it gone.
Astrid Rodriguez was an undocumented student when she was able to graduate from Seminole State College while paying the in-state rate. She wants the law to remain in place and reflected on the fight to pass the law in 2014.
"Now we were fighting, we were marching, and we were calling our representatives to try and get this passed. And it finally did pass, and that was amazing. I went from taking one class to taking five so I would be able to finish out my education," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said the in-state tuition made it possible for her to earn her degree faster and launch her career in the insurance business. "We pay our taxes. I bought my home, and it's a well-being for everyone as well. It's an investment for the future of Florida as well," she said.
