Florida's anti-immigrant law and its effect

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law one of the most extreme anti-immigrant bills in the nation on May of this year. This law aims at targeting immigrants on another level. It forces companies with over 25 employees to use the E-verify system, which is used to confirm that the employees are legally authorized to work. Additionally, it forces hospitals that receive medicaid to ask people of their status when obtaining care. Lastly, it criminalizes the transportations of immigrants in the state of Florida, regardless if they are just "passing by." 

Once news broke out about the bill, protests broke out throughout Florida. Immigrants began fearing the possibility of being deported, and the ability to be able to provide for their family. The effect of the bill passage spread significantly. Many employers, such as Juan Baregas, reported that more than half of his crew left. It is reported that there are around 770,000 immigrants working in Florida. However, most of them have relocated to other states, such as Georgia, Washington, D.C., New York, and Houston. Additionally, those remaining in the state, have expressed how badly it's also affecting the children. Parents have stated that they no longer take the to the park and attempt to go out as little as possible as they fear possibility of being separated from their children. Additionally, for some, it's hard to find the economic resources to just pack up your things and move to a different state. 

Overall, the extreme anti-immigrant law continues to affect families and the economy. Most migrant works go to Florida because they know there are many jobs that most Americans are not willing to do, such as farming and construction. Without the assistance of migrant workers, Florida's economy will only continue to decrease. It's important to acknowledge that although the current migrant population is high, most, if not all, come to work and help out our economy.