APOPKA, Fla. — A bill is heading to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk that would eliminate in-state tuition rates for DACA recipients or “Dreamers.”

What You Need To Know

  • A bill is heading to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk that would eliminate special in-state tuition rates for DACA recipients or "Dreamers"

  • Dozens filled the Hope Community Center Tuesday to express they feel attacked by the bill

  • Republican State Sen. Randy Fine from Brevard County initially sponsored the idea in a separate bill, saying the state should not subsidize people who "shouldn't even be here"

In an outcry for help, dozens filled the Hope Community Center Tuesday to express they feel attacked by the bill, saying this potential lack of access to in-state tuition will threaten their goals to get a degree.

DACA recipients wore graduation caps and gowns, holding signs with various messages including: “What about my future?”

Republican State Sen. Randy Fine from Brevard County initially sponsored the idea in a separate bill filed last month.

“I don’t think it’s fair to ask hardworking Floridians who are struggling to make ends meet, to spend $45 million subsidizing the education of people who shouldn’t even be here. It’s simple common sense,” Fine said.

Edith, who did not want to reveal her last name, said she benefits from in-state tuition.

She’s studying information technology at Seminole State College.

“I’ve literally just been in tears cause it hurts. I feel like I’m being attacked and all I want to do is go to college,” she said. “I have to fill out the waiver every single semester, so that I can be able to pay at least what every U.S. citizen is able to pay.”

Because of that waiver, she says she paid $900 in in-state tuition for three classes, instead of $4,000.

Community leaders say DACA recipients are brought to the U.S. as young children, adding that the bill is a step in the wrong direction that traps families in cycles of poverty.

Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, executive director of Hope Community Center, says he lived without documentation for 15 years and didn’t qualify for in-state tuition, saying it felt like an impossible mountain to climb.

“We’re here to show the human face of what the repeal of in-state tuition would be for the state of Florida,” he said. “This is not good policy. It will hurt our economy, it will make sure that our colleges and universities lose revenue and, on top of that, it would destroy the dreams of thousands of young dreamers.”

Edith agrees and says legislators should see immigrants as allies, not enemies.

“Remember that we are here not to commit any crimes, that we literally just want an education,” she said.