Florida approves enrollment ban for undocumented students

The Florida Board of Governors has unanimously approved a new regulation that will prevent undocumented students from enrolling in certain public higher education institutions starting in 2027.

The policy targets universities that have failed to admit all academically qualified applicants during the previous two years. Under this rule, such institutions will be prohibited from accepting individuals who are in the United States illegally. This measure specifically impacts high-demand institutions, including the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida, which often face capacity constraints.

The restriction does not apply to private universities, nor does it affect undocumented students currently enrolled in Florida's public university system; those students will be permitted to complete their degrees. Currently, approximately 60,065 undocumented students attend public higher education institutions in Florida, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.

The proposal, which received public support from Governor Ron DeSantis, was finalized following a period for public allegations. During the final vote held at Florida Gulf Coast University, all eight individuals who participated in the public comment period requested that the proposal be rejected.