Florida Governor Faces Legal Challenge to Controversial Anti-Immigration Law
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is encountering his first legal challenge to a sweeping anti-immigration law that recently went into effect in the state. In an attempt to appeal to voters who favor strict immigration policies, DeSantis has made it a priority to toughen Florida’s immigration laws. Senate Bill 1718, which became effective on July 1, targets employers who hire immigrants residing in the country illegally.
The law mandates that businesses with more than 25 employees must utilize E-Verify, a federal system that verifies an employee’s legal eligibility to work in the United States. Failure to comply could result in the revocation of business licenses or fines of $1,000 per day per employee. Additionally, the law restricts local governments from providing financial support to organizations that issue identification cards to immigrants lacking permanent legal status. Furthermore, it invalidates out-of-state driver’s licenses held by individuals living in the country without legal authorization.
Several civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups, including the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Florida, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and American Immigration Council, have announced their intention to file a lawsuit challenging a specific section of SB 1718. This section criminalizes the transportation of undocumented immigrants into, within, or out of Florida.
The legal action will be filed against Governor DeSantis on behalf of numerous individuals and the Florida Farmworkers Association, an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of immigrants. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt the implementation of Section 10 of the law, asserting that it is unconstitutional.
Section 10 of SB 1718 stipulates that any person transporting an individual into Florida, knowing or having reasonable knowledge that they have entered the United States unlawfully and without proper inspection by the federal government, commits a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Moreover, those found transporting five or more individuals would face a second-degree felony charge, carrying a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Notably, the law fails to make exceptions for individuals who are traveling with undocumented partners or family members, as well as charities or NGOs assisting migrants, who would be classified as human smugglers.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has emphasized that the lawsuit aims to challenge the constitutionality of this section of the law independently, without the need for any specific arrests or instances. The organizations involved argue that Florida’s anti-immigrant legislation perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fosters an environment of fear and hostility. They maintain that fundamental rights and dignity should be upheld for every individual in the state, irrespective of their immigration status or presumed immigration status.
Concerns have been raised about the impact of SB 1718 on Florida’s economy, particularly in industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, including agriculture and construction.
Governor DeSantis has hailed the law as the most robust anti-illegal immigration legislation in the country. He asserts that it is a proactive measure to counter reckless federal government policies and ensure that taxpayers in Florida do not bear the costs associated with illegal immigration.
As the legal challenge looms, it remains to be seen how this controversial law and the ensuing lawsuit will impact the state and its residents.
