1 JULY 2023
DeSantis’ Anti-Immigrant Law Goes Into Effect As His Latest Policy Platform Embraces Extreme and Cruel Proposals
July 1st Implementation of DeSantis’ SB1718 Underscores the Stakes of the 2024 Elections
WASHINGTON – Today, July 1st, Governor Ron DeSantis’ Florida Senate Bill (SB) 1718 will go into effect and unleash a series of discriminatory provisions against the immigrant community in Florida. The devastating effects of the legislation are already visible across the state’s economy and communities, as worksites sit vacant and public opposition continues to grow, casting a shadow over the nation as DeSantis begins socializing a cruel, extreme and dangerous 2024 immigration policy platform this week.
The bill, one of the most extreme pieces of anti-immigration legislation in modern American history, will impose strict penalties against immigrants attempting to access social services and healthcare, as well as anyone driving or working with undocumented immigrants–even family members. The overbroad legislation opens the door to wanton racial profiling and violence against migrants, creating an environment that the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida says is reminiscent of Arizona’s 2010 SB1070 law–whose most harmful provisions were largely struck down in the courts. As the 2024 election approaches, the consequences of SB1718’s implementation are providing a preview of just how disastrous DeSantis and other GOP candidates’ agendas could be for the nation, the economy, and for our communities.
Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, issued the following statement:
“Today marks the beginning of a dark period for immigrants and their families in Florida–a period in which their basic rights to work, healthcare, social services, and travel will be under attack by GOP politicians. The effects of SB1718 will echo across the state’s economy, as the immigrant workers it relies on are forced away from their job sites and out of their homes and local communities, where immigrant families are not only neighbors but friends; and the effects will surely echo throughout the country, as the American people watch Governor DeSantis continue to try and tear immigrants from the fabric of our nation and tank Florida’s economy.
Make no mistake, DeSantis will not stop at attacking immigrants in Florida. The policy platform he laid out this week makes clear that his intention is to spread his nativist agenda and bring more chaos – not order – to our immigration system. SB1718 is just one part of DeSantis’ broader efforts to scapegoat immigrants and fan the flames of an extreme fringe, rather than working toward real policy solutions for the American people. His policy platform is built on hateful, white nationalist rhetoric and baseless lies; intending to mainstream dangerous theories of “replacement” in an effort to normalize unwarranted violence against hardworking, innocent people. These proposals overlook the essential contributions that immigrants make to our economy and our country. They are completely misaligned with the balanced approach that voters want.
As we see the devastating consequences of SB1718 play out in Florida, we must come together as a nation and rebuke the idea that immigrants are to be feared or excluded. We must remember that America is a nation of immigrants, built upon the promise of equal opportunity, whose door will always remain open to those seeking a better life. We must continue standing behind a humane and balanced immigration system; one that keeps families together and our nation’s values intact. As DeSantis continues to tout his plan, we must charge forward with ours and continue building on the progress of the Biden administration to deliver relief for immigrant communities. The stakes couldn’t be higher for Florida and for the nation.”
DeSantis’ 2024 Immigration Platform: DeSantis unveiled an extensive anti-immigrant and nativist agenda ahead of the 2024 election this week that would, among other extreme proposals, allow the use of deadly force against asylum seekers, revoke birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th amendment, and deport Dreamers and immigrant families. The Governor’s proposals distort popular opinion, which largely shows a preference for balanced and humane solutions in place of punitive measures against immigrant families.
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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.