Construction workers in Miami said that many of their coworkers have not shown up for work because they are afraid of being deported.
According to its detractors, Senate Bill 1718 in Florida is to blame.
If Gov. Ron DeSantis decides to put the bill into law, firms risk losing their business licenses and being subject to penalties of $10,000 for every undocumented worker on their payroll.
Many people who work in the construction industry have told CBS News Miami that they are worried about the future as a result of this.
One of the workers, Jose, said that many other workers are leaving because they are afraid that they would be deported and are thus moving to other states. “No one can settle their nerves…We just want to be able to provide for our family via our employment.
In addition, the measure tightens restrictions on healthcare by mandating that medical facilities that accept Medicare patients must disclose the immigration status of their patients.
According to the website of the governor, Florida taxpayers have footed the bill for more than $226 million in medical expenses incurred by unauthorized immigrants.
In light of the fact that hundreds of migrants are now making their way through Texas to reach the border with Florida, Governor DeSantis is hoping that this measure would dissuade them from making the journey.
On the first of July, the new law will go into force when the governor has approved the measure and signed it into law.