Florida Atlantic University applauds the Legislature’s passage of a new law that will allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at Florida’s public colleges and universities. We stated our support for this legislation two months ago when we joined the Florida Student Association in calling for its passage. As the 2014 session ended, both the Senate and the House approved the measure, which grants in-state status to undocumented students who have attended a Florida high school for at least three years. We view this as a worthy companion to the bill passed earlier this year that waives out-of-state tuition fees for military veterans.

Gov. Scott has already signed the veterans’ bill into law, and he promises to do the same for the one that benefits undocumented students. In so doing, he is helping to ensure the future of our state by making college affordable for thousands of talented, motivated and deserving students whose degrees will enable them to become productive members of Florida’s workforce.