The recent immigration laws signed by Florida’s Governor are expected to have a significant impact on the state’s sizable Caribbean-American community, specifically those who are undocumented.
On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation aimed at addressing issues such as driving without a license, the use of “non-official ID cards,” and increasing penalties for certain crimes. These measures are specifically intended to create obstacles for undocumented immigrants residing in the state.
“We do not tolerate illegal immigration, let alone lawlessness committed by illegal aliens who shouldn’t be here in the first place. The bills I signed (Friday) further enhance Florida’s capabilities to uphold the law,” DeSantis said.
Notably, two-thirds of Caribbean immigrants in the United States live in Florida and New York.
Driver’s license
One of the bills signed increases the maximum sentence for individuals convicted of driving without a license twice or more from 60 days in jail to a year. This change applies to both U.S. citizens and immigrants legally residing in the country. Notably, undocumented immigrants are not permitted to obtain driver’s licenses in Florida.
Critics, including various immigrant support groups, have raised concerns about the bill, arguing that it compromises public safety. They contend that many immigrants, unable to acquire a license, will still drive without having undergone testing or purchasing insurance. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 19 states and Washington, D.C., issue driver’s licenses to immigrants who are in the country illegally.
“True safety is achieved through comprehensive measures such as driver education, issuing driver’s licenses to all qualified drivers, and access to insurance — not through punitive enforcement,” Renata Bozzetto of the Florida Immigrant Coalition said in a recent statement.
“Rather than criminalizing individuals, the Republican legislature in Florida should work to invest in initiatives that promote driver safety, address disparities in the licensing process, and ensure equitable access to transportation for all residents.”
Increased penalties for crimes
Another bill proposes increasing the maximum prison sentences for immigrants convicted of felonies after having been previously deported from the country for illegal entry.
Under this bill, immigrants convicted of low-level felonies such as simple burglary or car theft would face a maximum sentence of 15 years, compared to the typical maximum sentence of five years for these crimes. For mid-level felonies like aggravated battery, the maximum sentence would increase to 30 years from the usual 15 years. Additionally, higher-level felonies like armed robbery could result in a life sentence for such immigrants, instead of the standard maximum sentence of 30 years.
Community IDs
Desantis also took aim at community IDs, often utilized as a form of identification by undocumented immigrants or individuals lacking official identification.
Three years ago, former Broward Commissioner Dale Holness and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava proposed community IDs for residents in their respective counties. However, immigration legislation enacted last year halted local government funding for these documents.
Despite this, nonprofits in South Florida continued to issue them for a nominal fee. Nonetheless, the bill signed on Friday prohibits both state and local governments from recognizing non-official ID cards.
The signing of these bills coincides with Florida’s government bracing for a potential influx of Haitian migrants fleeing the crisis-stricken country. Although a migrant surge has yet to materialize, Florida has already deployed over 250 law enforcement officers and soldiers to the Florida Keys to “protect” the state.
#CNWTalkUp: What Do You Think Attracts So Many Immigrants to the South Florida Region?
