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A Senate bill allowing for in-state tuition for undocumented students cleared a huge hurdle today.  After barely passing its last committee, the proposal picked up some unexpected votes.

Mizael Huerta has no problem calling America home.

“This is the only home that we know, we grew up here, we weren’t born here but we grew up here,” said Huerta.

Huerta was born outside the US, but spent a majority of his life in Florida. He was one of dozens speaking out about a bill that would grant in state tuition to undocumented students. Opposing testimony got personal.

“They should return home and finish their education and help build a vibrant economy so their two main exports in the future are not just drugs and people,” said private citizen George Fuller.

The comment was too much for Senator Jeremy Ring. Ring called for the chairman to take control of the meeting. Ultimately, in-state tuition arguments are not what got the bill to pass.

Provisions capping tuition hikes were enough to sell swing vote Sen. John Thrasher.

“The bill has a number of good things in it. The other arguments about in-state have been made. It’s time to move on,” said Thrasher.

Bill sponsor Jack Latvala hopes the legislation opens the door for thousands of students in Florida.

“And maybe give them something better to do than being a dishwasher or a maid or something like that in a hotel. They can do anything,” said Sen. Latvala.

The bill passed with just two no votes. The Governor’s office is supporting the Senate version of the bill which caps tuition hikes. The House version still allows for 6 percent tuition increases, down from the current 15 percent.