Judge rules for students in immigrant-tuition suit

MIAMI (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that Florida college students cannot be charged higher out-of-state tuition simply because their parents may be in the U.S. illegally.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of students who are U.S. citizens and Florida residents but whose parents cannot prove legal immigration status. U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore says charging them non-resident tuition violates the Constitution.

Children of illegal immigrants have won similar battles in New Jersey, California and Colorado.

Attorneys estimate thousands of Florida students could be affected.

Florida education officials say lawyers are reviewing the ruling and that no decision has been made on whether to appeal. There are 28 public two-year colleges and 11 four-year universities in Florida.