Ron DeSantis, Florida governor, has once again made an enemy of the Florida population, given that the population is made overwhelmingly of immigrants; and the Florida legislature made it happen.
DeSantis has announced the approval of a new immigration bill by GOP lawmakers in the state, and today on May 10th of, 2023, the bill was signed by him. The bill aims to enhance the state’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities and impose stricter penalties on individuals and organizations that violate immigration laws.
The new legislation would require local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration officials by sharing information about the immigration status of individuals who are detained. This cooperation would extend to state universities, colleges, and public schools. The bill also prohibits “sanctuary” policies that prevent local authorities from cooperating with federal immigration officials.
The bill’s supporters argue that it will help reduce crime by ensuring that undocumented immigrants who commit crimes are turned over to federal authorities for deportation. However, let’s not forget that this sounds an awful lot like deportation for running a red light.
They also claim that it will help prevent illegal immigration by making it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to obtain employment or access public benefits.
This includes the installation of intimidation when seeking medical help since each hospital that accepts Medicaid will be required to include a question on admission or registration forms that asks whether the patient is a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S. or is not lawfully present in the U.S.
Critics argue, and I could not agree more, that the bill is discriminatory and will lead to racial profiling by law enforcement agencies. They also point out that it will make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to access basic services such as healthcare and education.
Governor DeSantis has defended the bill, stating that it is necessary to protect Floridians from criminal illegal aliens who pose a threat to public safety. He also noted that the bill does not target law-abiding undocumented immigrants.
However, the new legislation also imposes stricter penalties on employers who hire undocumented immigrants. It would make it a first-degree misdemeanor for employers to knowingly hire unauthorized workers and impose fines of up to $10,000 for each unauthorized worker hired.
Senate Bill 1718 is not only inhumane, but it very well promotes the homelessness of our fellow people. DeSantis heinously believes, however, that he is subsiding chaos, not causing it.
“The Biden Border Crisis has wreaked havoc across the United States and has put Americans in danger,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “In Florida, we will not stand idly by while the federal government abandons its lawful duties to protect our country. The legislation I signed today gives Florida the most ambitious anti-illegal immigration laws in the country, fighting back against reckless federal government policies and ensuring the Florida taxpayers are not footing the bill for illegal immigration.”
