Florida governor signs bill granting in-state tuition for undocumented students
House Bill 851 allows children whose parents came to the U.S. illegally to qualify for in-state tuition after attending a Florida school for three years.
Scott previously opposed the measure, which he now says will make "higher education more affordable and accessible."
In a move touted to lower tuition for all Florida college students, Gov. Rick Scott (R) signed a bill today that grants in-state tuition to undocumented students.
Scott signed House Bill 851, allowing children whose parents came to the United States illegally to qualify for in-state tuition after attending a Florida school for at least three years.
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“Making sure all Floridians have access to an affordable higher education is one of my top priorities,” Scott said in a statement. “Signing this historic legislation today will keep tuition low, and allow all students who grew up in Florida to have the same access to affordable higher education. With this legislation, higher education became more affordable and more accessible to all Floridians.”
Allowing in-state tuition for undocumented students is not a measure generally backed by Republicans. Party leaders, including Scott, previously opposed similar legislation but are hoping to reach out to Hispanic voters during the election year.
Republican state senator Jack Latvala, the Senate bill sponsor, praised the move for ensuring that more Floridians can attend college.
“Today, we are taking a critical step in ensuring that future generations are able to afford college,” he said in a statement provided to Campus Reform. “We know that a good education is the foundation to finding a great job and I thank Governor Scott for signing this important piece of legislation.”
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