Governor DeSantis Proposes Legislation to Respond to Immigration Troubles, Takes Jab at Biden Policies

A U.S. passport.Photo byJeremy DorroughonUnsplash

Governor DeSantis of Florida announced a full slate of legislative changes in the state in an attempt to prevent illegal immigration into the state and country, according to a press release issued by the Governor's Office this week. In the release, DeSantis details a series of measures specifically targeting the topic of immigration. DeSantis, widely considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate, also took the opportunity to draw contrasts between himself and potential opponent President Biden.

DeSantis's proposed policies cover several aspects of the immigration debate. Some of the key points of the proposed legislation include:

• Requiring every Florida employer to use E-Verify.
• Making the use of false identity documents for employment purposes a felony
• Making more severe penalties for trafficking and illegal immigration-related crimes
• Includes 15-year sentences for smuggling minors into the state
• Removes bail prior to a first court appearance for trafficking offenses
• Invalidating out-of-state licenses granted to illegal immigrants
• Requiring hospitals to collect documentation on the immigration status of patients

DeSantis has long used immigration as a so-called "wedge" issue to rally his supporters and draw a stark contrast between himself and his opponents. The governor drew widespread condemnation from liberals and even some moderates after transporting migrants to Martha's Vineyard last year.

DeSantis, in response, stated that Florida's position was that such immigrants are better off in sanctuary cities and states than they are in Florida where immigration crimes are sentenced more severely. Several legal battles ensued, many of which are still ongoing.

Martha's Vineyard.Photo byMV VacationonUnsplash

Still, polling on the matter indicates the public may be more receptive to the governor's proposals. The plurality of those polled by Gallup stated that they felt the U.S. should accept fewer immigrants, while 63% of respondents claimed they were either "somewhat" or "very" dissatisfied with the current policies on immigration in the United States. A full 78% stated that illegal immigration was either an important or critical threat to the United States in the same polling.

At the press conference coinciding with the policy announcement, DeSantis highlighted what he perceives as failures of President Biden's strategies while calling for tougher immigration policy:

“With this legislation, Florida is continuing to crack down on the smuggling of illegal aliens, stopping municipalities from issuing ID cards to people here illegally, and ensuring that employers are hiring American citizens or those here legally. Florida is a law and order state, and we won’t turn a blind eye to the dangers of Biden’s Border Crisis. We will continue to take steps to protect Floridians from reckless federal open border policies.”

The proposed changes will also repeal some existing laws passed by earlier Florida legislatures, including ones that allow some DACA recipients (commonly known as "Dreamers") to receive out-of-state tuition vouchers and other assistance, provided they attended a Florida high school for at least three years. In the press conference, DeSantis justified those changes by citing the need to keep education costs in check:

“If we want to hold the line on tuition, then you have got to say ‘you need to be a U.S. citizens living in Florida.’” “Why would we subsidize a non-U.S. citizen when we want to make sure we can keep it affordable for our own people?”

Any proposed legislation would still need to clear the typical bill process, including a committee vote followed by passage of both chambers of the Florida Legislature before being presented to Governor DeSantis. For now, these changes remain only a proposal. Further updates can be found through the legislature or in future press releases.