NORTH MIAMI, Fla. – Hundreds of South Florida residents gathered in North Miami on Wednesday evening, just three days before new laws were set to take effect in Florida.
The focus of the gathering was Senate Bill 1718, which has been one of the most controversial topics in recent times.
Senate Bill 1718 aims to crack down on businesses that hire undocumented workers. Under this new law, private employers with 25 or more employees will be required to use E-Verify, an online database used by employers to verify an individual’s eligibility to work in the United States.
Additionally, the bill invalidates out-of-state driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.
State Representative Marie Woodson (D) expressed her constituents’ concerns during the meeting, stating that they view the law as inhumane.
Immigrants living in the US fear that their work opportunities and access to healthcare may be at risk. Some are even considering leaving the state of Florida.
State Representative Dotie Joseph (D) voiced her apprehensions about the new law, claiming that it would make it more difficult for families to afford basic necessities like food. According to her, the increased expenses would affect the cost and availability of produce.
Supporters of the law, primarily Republicans, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, believe that Florida is taking action where they perceive the federal government to have fallen short.
They argue that the law ensures those who followed legal procedures and due processes are protected, while also addressing the issue of relocating migrants to other states.
Governor DeSantis’ website highlights that employers failing to use E-Verify will face a daily fine of $1,000, and workers using false identification to secure employment will be charged with a felony.
For more detailed information about Senate Bill 1718, please click here.
