The proposed bill (SB1052) would create new changes for higher education in the Sunshine State, and within the mix of topics is the banning of undocumented students from state institutions.
Aniela Cabrera | Staff Writer
Undocumented students at Florida International University have a new worry to add to their plate: the risk of their education being halted. Florida Senator Erin Grall, most known for her work on the Heart-Beat law, has now proposed SB1052. While this bill is regarding various educational issues, within it lies the potential to close all pathways for postsecondary education for undocumented citizens if passed.
According to the AP college website, “…there is no federal or state law that prohibits the admission of undocumented immigrants to U.S. colleges, public or private”. If this bill were to go through, Florida would become the first state to prohibit the admission of undocumented students.
The bill was filed on January 5, 2026, and was introduced on January 13. If passed and signed, it would go into effect on July 1, 2026, affecting roughly 49,000 undocumented students in the state.
According to the bill, the Florida college system/state universities will “only be allowed to admit U.S. citizens or those who are lawfully present in the state.”
Last year, the state banned financial aid for undocumented students; in addition, SB1052 adds language that would further block it.
The language of the bill is nonspecific as to whether or not there would be exceptions for DACA recipients, Florida high school graduates, or long-term residents. By simply saying “undocumented students and adults,” that interpretation of the ban is left up in the air.
The bill also would affect undocumented adults seeking to earn a certificate or take ESL classes.
PantherNOW reached out to Senator Erin Grall for questions, but received no response.
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