Florida Proposes Rule to Bar Undocumented Immigrants from State Colleges

New rule would require proof of citizenship or legal presence for admission

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:38am

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An avant-garde painting featuring overlapping, geometric shapes and lines in shades of blue, red, and white, conceptually representing the political debate over immigration policies and access to higher education.A fractured, abstract illustration captures the complex debate over immigration policies and access to higher education in Florida.Today in Miami

The Florida Department of Education has proposed a new rule that would bar undocumented immigrants from being admitted to the state's 28 public colleges. The rule would require students to provide "clear and convincing documentation" of their citizenship or legal presence in the United States before being admitted.

Why it matters

This proposal is part of a broader effort by some Republican lawmakers in Florida to limit the number of non-American students at public higher education institutions, even if they are in the country legally. It follows recent legislation that repealed in-state tuition rates for undocumented immigrant students and allows the state to expel students who "promote" support for designated "domestic terrorist" groups.

The details

Under the proposed rule, each board of trustees in the Florida College System would be required to "ensure that all students admitted to the Florida College System institution are citizens of the United States or lawfully present in the United States." Students would have to provide "credible, precise, and compelling" documentation to prove their citizenship or legal presence. The rule would also give schools the discretion to consider students' past misconduct in making admission decisions.

  • The proposed rule is set for a public hearing on May 14 at Miami Dade College.
  • The rule would only apply to Florida's 28 state colleges, not to its 12 state universities.

The players

Florida Department of Education

The state agency that oversees Florida's public education system, including its 28 state colleges.

Rep. Jennifer Kincart-Johnson

A Republican state lawmaker who sponsored a bill that would have put a 5% cap on undergraduate admissions for non-Florida residents at public higher education institutions.

Sen. Erin Grall

A Republican state senator who sponsored a bill that would have prohibited all higher education institutions from admitting any non-citizen who wasn't legally present in the country.

Rep. Berny Jacques

A Republican state representative who sponsored a bill that would have required schools to limit the number of enrolled students who are citizens of foreign countries and who are not permanent U.S. residents.

Gov. Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who signed into law legislation that repealed in-state tuition rates for undocumented immigrant students and allows the state to expel students who "promote" support for designated "domestic terrorist" groups.

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What’s next

A hearing on the proposed rule is set for May 14 at Miami Dade College.

The takeaway

This proposed rule is the latest in a series of efforts by Florida Republicans to limit the enrollment of non-American students, even those who are in the country legally, at the state's public colleges and universities. It reflects a broader political debate over immigration and access to higher education.