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NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – MainJuly 1, 2026Miami-Dade

Florida Board of Education Restricts Undocumented Students from State Colleges

The Florida Board of Education has approved new rules requiring students at the state's 28 public colleges to prove legal U.S. residency for admission. The policy also bars undocumented individuals from participating in adult general education programs, including GED preparation courses.

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Why It Matters

This policy change mandates that all 28 Florida public colleges verify the legal status of students, effectively barring undocumented individuals from enrollment and adult education programs.

Key Facts

  • The Florida Board of Education approved a rule requiring all students at the state's 28 public colleges to be U.S. citizens or legally present in the country.
  • Undocumented immigrants are now barred from participating in adult general education programs at public high schools and state colleges.
  • The policy prevents undocumented individuals from taking the General Educational Development (GED) exam through state-run programs.
  • The vote passed with all board members in favor except for Daniel Foganholi.
  • The rule was originally proposed in April and deferred until a teleconference meeting in May.
  • The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC) questioned the legal basis for the rule, noting that cited statutes do not explicitly address the requested documentation for admission.
  • Legislative attempts to pass similar restrictions in the 2026 session failed to advance out of committee.

Who's Mentioned

personAnna Eskamani“Democratic Representative who opposed the rule changes.”personKathy Hebda“Chancellor of the Florida College System.”personJowanna N. Oates“Chief Attorney for the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee.”other28“Number of public colleges in Florida affected by the policy.”organizationFlorida Board of Education“The governing body that approved the new admission requirements.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who appointed Daniel Foganholi to the board.”personDaniel Foganholi“Board member who cast the sole dissenting vote against the measure.”