FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Camila Gallardo
(305) 215-4259
cgallardo@nclr.org
New law will improve college access for undocumented students and yield rewards for the state
MIAMI—Today, joining 19 other states that have approved similar legislation, the Florida House of Representatives passed H.B. 851, a bill that would dramatically improve college access for undocumented students who graduate from Florida high schools by allowing them to pay the same in-state tuition rate as their peers. Governor Rick Scott, who has publicly endorsed the measure, is expected to sign the bill into law.
The bill has faced opposition in the deeply divided Florida Senate, which had blocked similar measures in previous legislative sessions, but after months of visits, calls, and impassioned pleas by students and advocacy groups, such as NCLR Affiliate Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), a bipartisan group of legislators broke through the gridlock and gained successful passage.
“We are incredibly pleased with the passage of H.B. 851, a bill that will provide our students the ability to turn their college dreams into reality. This is a win-win for all involved—these talented young people will be able continue their involvement in their communities, and Florida will gain from their contributions to the state’s economy and progress,” said Barbara Mainster, Executive Director, RCMA. “Dreams can become reality as more bright high school graduates pursue a college education.”
NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Latinos. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org, or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.
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