TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — For some students across the state, the dream of earning a college degree in Florida may soon come to an end. The Florida Board of Education voted this week to ban immigrant students without legal status from the state’s 28 colleges and adult educational programs.

All but one board of education member voted on the change, a move that now has Florida students and immigrant communities pushing back.

“These are young people who grew up in Florida. They went to our K-12 schools. They studied alongside everyone else. They volunteered. They worked. They took AP classes. They showed up for this day in every single way. And we made a promise to them. And now we are telling them that the finish line has been moved,” said Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, Florida Immigration Coalition.

Advocates say the impact wouldn’t just be felt by students; they argue the change could cost the college system an estimated $15 million in lost tuition and fees.

The proposal comes just one week after the Florida Board of Governors took their first steps towards adopting a similar ban at the state’s universities.

Last year the legislature voted to remove in-state tuition for undocumented students, repealing a law that had been in place since 2014.

“Now that we’ve addressed the tuition issue and aren’t giving the tuition breaks to some here illegally, then this is the next step,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.

Supporters say college seats should be reserved for Florida residents and U.S. citizens.

“I would rather have that spot go to a Florida resident,” said DeSantis.

A legislative oversight committee is now stepping in, and has sent a letter to the Department of Education questioning whether education officials have the legal authority to make these changes without action from the legislature.

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