Reaction as Florida lawmakers move to end in-state tuition for Dreamers

Legislators in Tallahassee are discussing removing so-called Dreamers’ ability to pay in-state tuition at public universities for the second year in a row. Unauthorized immigrants who entered the country as minors are known as “dreamers.”

The statute that permits Dreamers who reside in the state to enroll in Florida’s colleges and universities at the in-state rate was signed into law by then-governor Rick Scott in 2014.

Immigration supporters estimate that tens of thousands of Dreamers are currently enrolled at Florida institutions or are enrolled in K–12 public schools with the intention of entering a state university after high school, while it is challenging to pinpoint specific numbers.

“I’m from Honduras, and I’m a dreamer,” Julio Calderon declared. “I have a degree in economics from FIU and am presently pursuing a master’s degree at MIT.”

According to Calderon, it makes sense to let students like him pay in-state tuition. It’s not just a benefit for me; it’s a benefit for the community, Calderon stated.

“This policy works, it changed my life, and it changed the way I help everyone around me, the way I support the people around me.”

Dreamers don’t deserve the in-state discount, according to state senator Randy Fine, a Republican from Brevard County who is running for Congress.

There is a noticeable difference. The annual in-state tuition at Florida International University is roughly $6,000, while the out-of-state tuition is over $18,000.

The Disparity

The disparity is even more pronounced at Florida State University and the University of Florida. Senate President Ben Albritton, a Republican from Wauchula, who is in favor of the idea, stated, “I think citizenship matters, it should matter, and it’s what this country is founded on.”

Dr. Allen Zeman, a member of the Broward County School Board, was questioned if this concept will affect Broward kids.

“There are definitely a lot of dreamers in Broward County, we’re not sure how many, but they should be able to attend college,” Zeman stated.

Zeman said it is “hateful” to deny Dreamers in-state tuition and that Albritton and Fine ought to “let Dreamers dream.”

“I’m intensely curious as to whether they’ve ever met a dreamer, these people have come here at very young ages, they’ve been successful in our schools, they’re productive members of our community, and if they live in Florida, don’t we want them to go to college and continue to be productive citizens, to pay taxes, and to be dreamers?” Zeman asked.

According to Albritton and Fine, the state would save $45 million if Dreamers’ in-state tuition was phased away.

In addition to being a pittance for the state budget, Zeman claimed that the calculation was flawed because it presumed that those students would continue to attend state universities and pay out-of-state tuition.

In January, the legislative session begins.