Florida immigrant rights groups have opposed a set of proposed education rules in the United States state of Florida that could restrict undocumented students from enrolling in state colleges and adult education programmes, according to CBS News report.

The proposals, issued by the Florida Department of Education (DOE), would require proof of citizenship or lawful presence for admission and would also extend restrictions to GED-related and adult general education programmes in state institutions.

Pushback from advocacy groups

Advocacy groups told reporters that the move could affect students already in the system and may have wider economic and social consequences, CBS News report. The DOE proposal states that colleges must ensure students admitted are either US citizens or lawfully present in the country, and applicants must provide clear documentation proving their status.

The department has also proposed extending similar restrictions to adult education programmes that prepare students for high school equivalency exams.

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Speaking on the impact of the proposal, Norin Dollard, senior policy analyst with the Florida Policy Institute, said, "There are human costs to these rules," as per CBS News report. Advocacy organisations argue that the changes would limit access to education for young people, including those preparing for GED examinations or enrolled in dual-enrollment programmes.

Yareliz Mendez-Zamora from the American Friends Service Committee said, "These are our kids, and they are our future," said Yareliz Mendez-Zamora with the American Friends Service Committee. "We are asking that the Florida Department of Education do the right thing and not pass these rules."

Policy debate ahead of board meeting

The proposed rules will be discussed at the Board of Education meeting scheduled for May 14 at Miami-Dade College. The DOE did not respond to media queries on Monday, according to the report.

The proposals come amid repeated legislative efforts in Florida to tighten access to higher education for non-citizens and immigrants without permanent legal status. Earlier bills seeking similar restrictions did not advance during the 2026 legislative session.

Mendez-Zamora also criticised the state leadership, saying, "Governor Ron DeSantis is used to getting his way. Like a child, what he is doing is throwing a temper tantrum and trying to get his way in any way that he can," Mendez-Zamora said, as quoted by CBS News.

Under current US law, all children are entitled to public education regardless of immigration status, following the 1982 Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe. However, the proposed changes could affect students aged 16 and 17 who take GED exams and those enrolled in dual-enrollment programmes in Florida colleges.

The issue is now set for further review as education officials consider the proposed rules in the upcoming board meeting, CBS News reported.