Immigrants could lose in-state college tuition

TALLAHASSEE — A newly elected state senator has filed legislation that would undo a 2014 law allowing in-state tuition for some undocumented immigrant students, potentially reopening an emotionally charged debate in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidential win.

Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, filed the bill (SB 82) less than three years after the Legislature approved the original proposal authorizing lower, in-state tuition rates for immigrants who have attended secondary school in Florida for three years before graduating from high school.

Steube, named this week as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he was following through on a campaign promise after hearing about the 2014 measure from concerned constituents.

“It was quite frankly a big issue with a lot of people during my election, especially during the primary,” Steube, who opposed the measure while serving in the House, said Wednesday.

But his legislation drew a sharp rejoinder from Rep. Jeanette Nunez, the No. 2 Republican in the House and the sponsor of the original bill.

“Clearly, it seems to me that Senator Steube is still in campaign mode and has not transitioned to governing mode,” said Nunez, RMiami.

Repealing the in-state tuition exception could also alter the higher-education plans of many students who have spent much of their lives in Florida. Supporters argue that undocumented families often still contribute to the economy and tax base, which helps fund higher education.

“We know that there are thousands of students who have taken advantage of the in-state tuition bill since it’s been passed,” said Francesca Menes, policy and advocacy coordinator for the Florida Immigrant Coalition.

If it advances during the 2017 session, the legislation could reopen an issue that divided Republicans severely in 2014. The in-state tuition bill was pushed by then-House Speaker Will Weatherford, a Wesley Chapel Republican.

He argued that the students involved were often brought to America at young ages and that the state had already invested in their education.

Gov. Rick Scott also rallied behind the bill after it was amended to include provisions he supported aimed at rolling back the ability of universities to increase tuition for all students without getting permission from the Legislature.

This year, the leadership teams in both chambers are heavy with MiamiDade lawmakers who tend to be less receptive to legislation that target immigrants.

“In some ways, this is going to be a test of their leadership,” said Elbert Garcia, state director of Florida’s Voice, an immigrant advocacy organization.

Garcia said the legislation could fuel further fears among undocumented immigrants worried about their fates after Trump’s surprise win in the November elections. Trump has vowed to roll back executive orders that removed the threat of deportation for millions of people in the country illegally.

In light of that, Garcia said, “just to hear that somebody in their state Legislature is trying to essentially take away in-state tuition ... it is just kind of a hurtful blow.”