Watch CBS News

Bill Would End Ban On College Tuition Breaks For Kids Of Undocumented

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) - It may be a tough sell at a time when tuition is climbing and available seats at Florida universities are scarce, but a Jacksonville state representative has filed a bill that would legalize state tuition breaks for all Florida residents, even if their parents are not here legally.

State Rep. Reggie Fullwood filed the bill Friday, two days after the state was sued over the issue.

State universities currently charge much higher out-of-state tuition to the sons and daughters of illegal immigrants even if they are U.S. citizens and Florida residents.

The Southern Poverty Law Center sued the state on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Miami.

The lawsuit alleges the policy discriminates against U.S. citizens and is unconstitutional.

Fullwood, a Jacksonville Democrat, said he began studying the issue last summer.

That was after he'd seen reports people were giving up hope of attending college because of the tuition policy.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.