TAMPA, Fla. — A proposal that could come forth at Florida's upcoming legislative session would remove in-state tuition for undocumented students.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Ron Desantis plans to hold a special legislative session to discuss immigration topics on Monday

  • Lawmakers could remove in-state tuition for undocumented students

  • Cirenio Cervantes obtained three college degrees thanks to DACA and qualifying for in-state tuition, finding the move "heartbreaking"

“We don’t have any lingering incentives for people to come to our state illegally,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this month.

USF graduate and DACA recipient Cirenio Cervantes says the potential move by legislatures is “heartbreaking to hear.”

Despite lacking the ability to apply for federal financial aid, Cervantes was able to obtain three degrees, including a Master’s, thanks to Florida’s current rule that qualified him for in-state tuition.

“(It was) a lot of hard work, a lot of restless nights just putting all the efforts in to get this degree,” he said. “I would not have been able to accomplish any of this. Having three degrees is not easy and then having to pay out-of-state that would make it very difficult, very unattainable.”

Florida approved the tuition benefit in 2014 under then Gov. Rick Scott. Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, who was then a member of the Florida House, helped spearhead the benefit.

Cervantes understands how challenging it is to graduate and he’s hoping others aren’t discouraged from trying.

“Hard work, good work ethic is the reasons why I’m here and where I’m at,” he said.

For the past several years, school is all he’s known, and now, he wants others to have the same opportunities too.

Florida’s special session begins on Monday, Jan. 27.