How can immigrants in Florida protect themselves after the arrival of the new anti-immigrant law?

This July 1, the new immigration law in Florida goes into effect. We explain how undocumented immigrants can protect themselves.

This July 1, a new immigration law (S.B. 1718) goes into effect in Florida, which will negatively affect undocumented immigrants living in the state, as well as those attempting to enter the state.

The new anti-immigration law includes different measures against immigrants with unregulated immigration status, ranging from labor, identification, transportation and health care. In addition, the implementation of the legislation will have consequences for the rest of the population, including non-immigrants and U.S. citizens living in Florida.

The consequences of a possible mass flight by illegal immigrants include a labor shortage in vital industries such as tourism, agriculture, construction, hospitality and restaurants. With little time left before the immigration law goes into effect, how can migrants be protected?

How can immigrants in Florida protect themselves in the wake of the new anti-immigrant law?

To protect themselves, it is advisable that undocumented immigrants understand the situation they are in and how they would be directly affected by S.B. 1718. Also, to avoid panic, know what the law actually provides.

If you have any doubts about your situation or how this law will affect you, we recommend that you consult with an attorney who specializes in the subject. In various parts of Florida, there are several immigrant rights organizations, so reaching out to them can also help you understand your situation.

For example, in the case of immigrant transportation, there has been some confusion as to the application of the new law and whether it will affect the transportation of undocumented immigrants within the state, even if it is an acquaintance, friend or family member.

In this regard, in the section on human trafficking the law states that “a person who knowingly and willfully transports into this state a person who knows, or reasonably should know, that the person has entered the United States in violation of law and has not been inspected by the federal government since illegal entry from another country commits a felony of the third degree, punishable.”

In this section, the law does not specify or distinguish between family members, but it does refer to the transportation of an undocumented immigrant across state lines, whether from another state or country, i.e., a crime will be committed upon entry with an undocumented immigrant into the state, but does not regulate transit within Florida or outside.

Here are some other details of what this law implies for undocumented immigrants in Florida: New immigration law in Florida: This is how it will affect undocumented immigrants.

In addition, several organizations and associations are organizing peaceful protests in various parts of the state, such as Gainesville, Jacksonville, Orlando, Winter Park, Homestead, Miami, Fort Myers, Tallahassee, Tampa, St. Petersburg and West Palm Beach.

In the case of workers, it is also advisable to consult with their employer or company about what their employment situation will be like once the new law goes into effect.

Juan José Gutiérrez, executive director of the Coalition for Full Rights for Immigrants, told EFE that it is expected that, as happened with legislation in California and Arizona, the new law will face litigation and after pressure and legal strategy, it may not be implemented.

READ ALSO:

Florida’s New Immigration Law: Transportation of Undocumented Immigrants

Florida’s Immigration Law: Impact on Out-of-State Driver’s Licenses

Categorized in:

Immigration

Tagged in:

,