In Florida, there are over 772,000 illegal workers, academics, and local residents. Moreover, Gov. Ron DeSantis proposes making it illegal for anyone to take them for a ride or even let them remain at their residence.
DeSantis Tackles Illegals
Senate Bill 1718, which is a component of DeSantis’ extensive legislative agenda for this year, targets not just those who are undocumented, but also anyone who is connected to them. It’s basically, anyone aiding and abetting illegals.
Any person who transports an illegal person into or around in the state is subject to criminal prosecution under the law, which is likely to be approved by the Republican-controlled state legislature.
To put it another way, anyone —a coworker, acquaintance, neighbor, or classmate— who provides a straightforward ride to an illegal person they are familiar with or care about would be culpable of a third-degree misdemeanor.
Everyone who hides or helps (or tries to) an illegal person in any area inside this state is likewise guilty under the measure. In Florida, there are over 4% of unauthorized residents. With any other crime, it would be illegal to aid a criminal, so DeSantis’ proposed legislation does seem fair.
Approximately 772,000 Florida workers, students, and community members are undocumented. And Governor Ron DeSantis wants to make it a felony for anyone to have them in their home or even give them a ride. https://t.co/LiTq5WQ8Sn
— The New Republic (@newrepublic) March 14, 2023
According to the proposed legislation, anyone with a criminal record who hosts an undocumented immigrant would face an even more severe second-degree felony charge.
Private employers who hire undocumented workers face tens of thousands of dollars in fines under the measure; they are not permitted to continue hiring them after learning they are undocumented.
Also, a third-degree crime would be charged against any undocumented immigrant who works without the proper identity documents. The bill also nullifies the current standing legislation that permits undocumented individuals to be admitted to the Florida bar.
Ron DeSantis Wants to Make It a Felony to Have an Undocumented Person in Your Home or Car..
Senate Bill 1718, part of DeSantis’ broad repressive agenda, targets not just undocumented people but also anyone associated with them.
What about if you fly them to Martha's Vinyard?
— Old Man Lefty (@OldManLefty1) March 15, 2023
Florida would also reject any out-of-state rights granted to unauthorized individuals if the bill becomes law.
According to directives from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, officials would be required to collect DNA samples from illegal individuals who are lodged in jails or detention centers.
DeSantis Serious About Protecting America
Finally, the measure requires hospitals that accept Medicaid to inquire patients about their citizenship.
The query must be followed by a guarantee that the patient’s answer won’t impair care or lead to a referral to immigration authorities, according to the measure, which is ostensibly intended as a cost-tracking tool for illegal immigrant patient care.
Though, considering the harshness of the rest of the measure, particularly with regard to criminalizing anyone who hosts people here illegally in “any area,” the guarantee does not invite entire trust.
The proposed legislation doesn’t sit well with Vice Chair of Policy Darren Soto or Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Barragán, who represents Florida’s 9th district. They claim this will not help combat illegal immigration. However many beg to differ.
This article appeared in The Patriot Brief and has been published here with permission.
