It was a big day in Tallahassee for Homestead teenager Fernando Guevara Olvera . Looks like he may get to go to college after all.
After graduating from high school at 16 last year, the undocumented immigrant found non-resident tuition at state universities was completely out of his family's financial reach. But today, a state Senate vote reawakened hope that the Legislature will pass a bill offering cheaper in-state tuition rates to long-time but undocumented Florida residents such as himself."My out of state tuition was basically triple what in-state tuition people pay so me and my mom sat down", said Olvera. "We tried to make out accounts and see if I could go to school, even be able to pay it. I couldn't even pay for two classes. That's how bad it was."
His parents brought Olvera to the US from Mexico when he was just a year old. He's been in Florida ever since.
If the full Legislature approves the in-state tuition bill, and Governor Scott signs it, he'll be able to pay state resident rates for his tuition, but he will not qualify for any kind of financial aid. Final passage of the in-state tuition bill is expected on Friday.