Why are immigrants moving out of Florida?

Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1718 to counteract the harmful impacts of illegal immigration caused by the federal government’s irresponsible border policy. It makes E-Verify necessary for firms with 25 or more workers, imposes punitive penalties for hiring illegal aliens, and prohibits municipal governments from giving Identification Cards (ID) to illegal foreigners. It also compels hospitals to gather and report statistics on healthcare expenses to undocumented immigrants.Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Strongest Anti-Illegal Immigration Legislation in the Country to Combat Biden’s Border Crisis

Industries Affected the Most by E-Verify Provisions

Construction, Professional, Scientific, Management, Administrative, Waste Management Services, Accommodation and Food Services, Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Retail Trade Other Services, and Agriculture are the six industries most affected by undocumented workers in Florida. In 2019, these industries employed 391,000 illegal workers and earned $12.6 billion in salaries. According to estimates, undocumented immigrants contribute 7.3% of their income in taxes, amounting to over $923 million in state and local taxes in 2019. With undocumented employees, firms in these industries would retain 10% of their workforce and the salaries they bring, resulting in a $12.6 billion decrease in Florida’s GDP in a year. In addition, farmers must fill jobs rapidly in geographically remote places, making them reliant on a high density of foreign-born migrant labor, which would have a massive influence on one of Florida’s leading businesses, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting.Florida HB 1617/SB 1718: Potential Economic and Fiscal Impact

How people reacted to bill 1718

Immigration activists gathered in front of the Freedom Tower in South Florida on Thursday to protest Senate Bill 1718, which Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law on Wednesday. Parts of the bill take effect on July 1, 2023, but Miami officials say illegal immigrants and their families are already concerned. According to labor organizers, construction, hotel, and agricultural workers are among the industries where employees are not showing up for work. If detected carrying five or more illegal immigrants or a youngster, they might face felony charges. In addition, employers will be obliged to utilize E-Verify to verify job status, and students who want to practice law will be denied a law license beginning in 2028.‘Slap in the Face’: South Florida Residents Protest New Immigration Law