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Dear John, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new law makes everyday life incredibly difficult for immigrants, their families, and their communities. Senate Bill 1718—which went into effect July 1—makes it a crime to drive an immigrant who entered the U.S. without inspection into Florida. Something as simple as a trip to the grocery store becomes potentially dangerous. Driving an undocumented family member to a doctor’s appointment could have life-altering consequences. Loved ones living across state lines may no longer be able to visit each other. This is unconstitutional—so we’re suing. The American Immigration Council joined a coalition of organizations—the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Florida, and Americans for Immigrant Justice—to fight back against these hateful policies. We filed a lawsuit on behalf of several individuals and the Farmworker Association of Florida. The suit challenges Section 10 of the new law.
This law puts thousands of people—both citizens and noncitizens alike—at risk of being arrested, charged, and prosecuted with a felony for transporting immigrants into Florida. It may not matter if the immigrant has since obtained immigration relief or lawful status. The purposefully vague language of the law makes anyone and everyone a target. Kate Melloy Goettel |
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