The legislation was signed last week by Governor Ron DeSantis, an ultra-conservative Republican.
The state of Florida is home to the largest number of undocumented Venezuelans in the entire United States. According to data dating from 2019, there were 102,000 people, more than half of the total 189,000 undocumented immigrants established in that country, estimated the prestigious Migration Policy Institute using a variety of sources.
This universe of people and their families, whether or not they are authorized residents in the United States, is in doubt today because of a new immigration law that will go into effect in Florida on July 1 and make it a felony. To be an undocumented immigrant or even to transport and shelter people in that situation.
The legislation was signed last week by Governor Ron DeSantis, an ultra-conservative Republican.
The Florida Farmworkers Association, an organization that represents some 10,000 workers, primarily temporary workers dedicated to vital agricultural activity in that state, issued a statement condemning this impending legislation and its effects on families and the economy.
The association notes that approximately 132,000 residents of Miami Dade County, Florida, who are US citizens are married to partners who do not have regular immigration status.
In addition, 722,000 county residents live in households where family members have different immigration statuses.
With this anti-immigrant law, all of those charged with crimes punishable by more than five years in prison will be exposed, the Farmworkers Association of Florida warns.
Florida has a total of 4.3 million immigrants, representing more than 20% of its population. Among immigrants, 2.48 million, or 57.4%, were born in various countries but identify as Hispanic or Latino. More than 1 in 5 residents are immigrants and we are saddened to learn that most of our neighboring countries will be severely affected, the statement said.
“This restriction on access to work affects people with irregular immigration status. The law also requires hospitals that accept Medicaid and emergency services to collect information about the immigration status of their patients during emergency visits. department. They must submit periodic reports to the AHCA and the legislature regarding expenses incurred in the provision of health services to people without regulated immigration status. Furthermore, the law considers it a felony with a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. is, transporting people without regulated immigration status to Florida. This includes people accompanying you, such as friends, co-workers, or family members, even if you are a permanent resident of Florida. For businesses with more than 25 workers It is required by law to use “E-Verify” to confirm employment eligibility, summarizes the association.
In the midst of the pre-election campaign, Governor DeSantis has toughened his policy against unauthorized immigrants, sharply criticizing federal policy on the matter from Gov. Joe Biden.
