JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the toughest anti-illegal immigration bill in the country (SB 1718). As states along the southern border brace for a massive rush of illegal aliens, Florida is leading the way in preventing illegal immigration.
“The Biden Border Crisis has wreaked havoc across the United States and has put Americans in danger,” said DeSantis. “In Florida, we will not stand idly by while the federal government abandons its lawful duties to protect our country.”
TOUGHEST LAW IN THE COUNTRY
“The legislation I signed today gives Florida the most ambitious anti-illegal immigration laws in the country, fighting back against reckless federal government policies and ensuring the Florida taxpayers are not footing the bill for illegal immigration,” DeSantis added.
The governor said he recognized Biden’s incompetence from day one, explaining that Florida has worked hard to combat the negative effects of Biden’s border policy – but noted that states are limited.
“We've got massive problems at our southern border with Mexico and this is something that is the responsibility of Joe Biden,” said DeSantis. “He's charged with ensuring that the laws are faithfully executed and he has refused to meet that obligation.”
When asked about whether he plans to run for president, DeSantis told reporters to stay tuned. “I may have something to say about the overall landscape for 2024, but stay tuned on that,” he said.
Although Florida is not a border state, DeSantis said the surge of illegal aliens is affecting the entire nation and putting a strain on healthcare services, schools and other resources intended for lawful residents.
According to the governor, criminal illegal aliens have also attacked Floridians throughout the state. In October, an illegal alien stabbed a man to death in Jacksonville and in March of last year, a couple was murdered by an illegal alien during bike week in Daytona.
“I think a good reform federally would be to deputize states to enforce immigration law,” DeSantis said. “Texas should be able to send them back to Mexico or back to these other countries.”
TIME TO “FIGHT BACK”
“This is an anti-illegal immigration bill,” Sen. Blaise Ingoglia said when he introduced the legislation. “People are being exploited. It is time for us – the state of Florida – to lead on this issue and fight back.”
The new law requires private employers with 25 or more employees to use the E-Verify system for new employees, beginning on July 1, 2023. Penalties are also expanded for employers who fail to comply with E-Verify requirements, including the possible suspension and revocation of employer licenses.
Additionally, it is now a third-degree felony for an unauthorized alien to knowingly use a fake ID to gain employment and Florida will no longer recognize out-of-state driver licenses for illegal aliens. Local municipalities are also prohibited from providing funds to any person or organization for the purpose of issuing IDs or other documents to an illegal alien.
