NewsNBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local NewsJuly 1, 2026Florida
Florida Board of Education Restricts College Admissions and GED Access
The Florida Board of Education has approved new rules requiring public college students to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. These measures also prohibit undocumented immigrants from participating in adult general education programs, including GED preparation.
Read the full story at NBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local NewsWhy It Matters
This policy change mandates that Florida's 28 public colleges verify the legal status of all applicants, directly impacting the eligibility of undocumented students to enroll in higher education or pursue high school equivalency diplomas.
Key Facts
- The Florida Board of Education approved a rule requiring all 28 public colleges to verify that admitted students are U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the country.
- Undocumented immigrants are now prohibited from enrolling in adult general education programs, including GED preparation, at high schools and state colleges.
- The board approved the measures in a vote where Daniel Foganholi was the only member to vote against the policy.
- The rules were originally proposed in April and scheduled for a May vote, but were delayed until a recent conference call meeting.
- The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC) sent a letter to the Department of Education questioning whether existing state statutes authorize these specific documentation requirements.
- Legislative attempts to pass similar restrictions in the 2026 session failed to move out of committee.
- The policy change was implemented via board rule rather than through the legislative process.
Who's Mentioned
personAnna Eskamani“Democratic Representative from Orlando who opposed the rule changes.”personKathy Hebda“Chancellor for the division of Florida colleges who stated the changes align wit”personJowanna N. Oates“Chief attorney for the JAPC who questioned the statutory authority for the new d”organizationJoint Administrative Procedures Committee“A bipartisan legislative committee that questioned the legal basis for the rule ”organizationFlorida Board of Education“The governing body that approved the new admissions and education restrictions.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who appointed Daniel Foganholi to the board in 2022.”personDaniel Foganholi“Board member who cast the only dissenting vote against the measures.”