Last week, Florida’s legislature passed an immigration bill, SB 1718, which will directly impact undocumented immigrants in the state. The bill was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday, making it the toughest anti-illegal immigration law in the country.
New Measures
The legislation will come into force on July 1, 2023, and features strict measures against undocumented immigrants in Florida. The law mandates businesses with more than 25 employees to use E-Verify, and non-compliance can result in the suspension and revocation of employer licenses. Furthermore, penalties will be imposed on employers who knowingly employ undocumented aliens.
Immigrants without a regulated immigration status will no longer be able to use driver’s licenses from other states. If an undocumented immigrant without lawful presence in the United States was issued a license by another state, they cannot operate a motor vehicle in Florida.
Senate Bill 1718 also focuses on the crime of human smuggling. The new law will provide measures, including the crime of human smuggling, for prosecution. Moreover, human smuggling cannot be tolerated in Florida, and knowingly transporting an illegal immigrant into Florida can result in five years in prison and a $5,000 fine per offense.
Lastly, every hospital accepting Medicaid in Florida will be required to include a question on their intake forms or registry that asks if the patient is a US citizen, lawfully present in the US, or not.
Governor Assertions
Governor DeSantis accused President Biden of neglecting his duties at the border, leading to the loss of Americans’ lives. He claimed Florida’s new laws would provide concrete action to protect its communities. Furthermore, he stated, “This legislation gives Florida the most ambitious anti-illegal immigration laws in the country, fighting the reckless policies of the federal government and ensuring Florida taxpayers don’t foot the bill for illegal immigration.”
Conclusion
Florida’s latest anti-illegal immigration laws will have a significant impact on those without legal status in the state. It is essential to keep up-to-date with any changes in immigration law and understand how they might affect you, your business, or your loved ones.
