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NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – Noticias LocalesJuly 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 residency in the U.S. for admission. The policy also bars undocumented individuals from participating in adult general education programs, including GED preparation.

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Read the full story at Telemundo 51 Miami – Noticias Locales

Why It Matters

This policy change mandates that all 28 public colleges in Florida must 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 restricts access to GED preparation programs for undocumented individuals.
  • The vote passed with only one dissenting vote from board member Daniel Foganholi.
  • The rule change was approved via teleconference after being postponed from a May meeting.
  • The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC) questioned the legal basis for the rule change, noting that cited statutes do not explicitly address the requested documentation.
  • Legislative attempts to pass similar restrictions in the 2026 session failed to advance out of committee.
  • The Florida Department of Education (DOE) claims the changes align admission criteria with existing state law.

Who's Mentioned

personAnna Eskamani“Democratic Representative who questioned the legality of the rule change.”personKathy Hebda“Chancellor of the Florida College System.”personJowanna N. Oates“Chief Attorney for the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee.”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.”