Florida’s latest immigration law is both cruel and costly | Opinion

On May 10, Gov. DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1718/House Bill 1617 into law, ushering in one of the harshest immigration bills Florida has ever seen. This legislation not only restricts job access for people with unregulated immigration statuses, but also imposes burdensome requirements on hospitals and criminalizes the transportation of undocumented migrants into the state.

This cruel and punitive approach fails to acknowledge immigrants’ humanity and contributions, tarnishing Florida’s reputation as a diverse and welcoming state.

The new law mandates hospitals accepting Medicaid and emergency departments to collect immigration status information from their patients, even during emergency visits. It forces these hospitals to report data related to providing healthcare services to undocumented individuals, further marginalizing vulnerable communities by discouraging them from seeking healthcare. Additionally, transporting such immigrants into Florida has been criminalized, carrying severe penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

Florida is home to more than 4.3 million immigrants (about twice the population of New Mexico), accounting for more than 20% of its population. Among these immigrants, a significant portion identifies as Hispanic, Latina or Latino. The legislation’s harsh provisions will disproportionately affect these communities, tearing families apart and inflicting lasting trauma on children.

Furthermore, the law’s economic repercussions cannot be ignored, as numerous industries depend on the labor and contributions of immigrants, from agriculture to healthcare and hospitality.

Once the law goes into effect, a significant number of workers in the agricultural sector could face unemployment, resulting in potential crop losses. The agricultural industry is already grappling with labor shortages, and the passage of Senate Bill 1718 has prompted many workers to leave the state in response to the restrictive measures.

The repercussions of Senate Bill 1718 extend beyond agriculture, impacting local businesses and the overall economy. With fewer consumers participating in buying and shopping, labor-intensive industries are expected to lose 10% of their workforce, along with the profits earned by these workers for their respective companies. This could result in a staggering $12.6 billion (about $39 per person in the United States) decrease in Florida’s GDP in a single year. This would reduce workers’ spending power and lead to a decrease in state and local tax revenue.

Florida has long been celebrated for its rich diversity, attracting tourists from around the world who seek to experience its blend of cultures, traditions and cuisines. However, this immigration law jeopardizes Florida’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive destination.

Immigrants already face discrimination and exclusion from services as a result of this bill; there is a lot of misinformation about the finalized content, amplifying pre-existing prejudices and further igniting racial profiling for people trying to access services or otherwise go about their daily lives. It undermines the state’s tourism industry and raises questions about who will perform essential jobs that sustain the economy. From roofing work to restaurant services, nursing care to crop harvesting, the contributions of immigrants cannot be underestimated.

To advocate for and reclaim Florida’s true spirit, one that celebrates its immigrant heritage and upholds the values of compassion and inclusivity, the Farmworker Association of Florida will hold a march at 5 p.m. July 1, outside of Homestead City Hall, 100 NE Civic Ct.

Florida’s new immigration law represents a departure from the state’s history of embracing diversity and compassion. Its punitive measures and disregard for the well-being of immigrant communities strike at the heart of what makes Florida unique. Let us stand together, raise our voices against such cruel legislation and create a future where justice, dignity and respect prevail.

Yvette Cruz is communications coordinator for the Farmworker Association of Florida.