Good afternoon,

Earlier this month, Republican lawmakers in Florida introduced a legislative package including various immigration priorities. In line with actions taken by other leaders across the country, this proposal would likely have a harmful effect on Florida residents and institutions, marking a step back for meaningful immigration reform. The National Immigration Forum published an explainer on the package outlining five provisions that are particularly concerning, especially for faith groups, hospitals, and businesses, among others:

1. Makes it a third-degree felony to "transport" or "harbor" certain undocumented immigrants in the state.
2. Invalidates the use of driver licenses issued by other states to undocumented immigrants.
3. Requires hospitals to collect immigration status information for all patients.
4. Prevents DACA recipients and other immigrants from obtaining a license to practice law in Florida.
5. Increases penalties for hiring undocumented immigrants.

Read the full report here to understand more about these provisions and their harmful impact if they are not revised.

Not only do these provisions further alienate and devalue our immigrant neighbors and negatively impact the economy, but they also discourage communities from welcoming and caring for them in even the most basic ways.   

A recent poll from the National Immigration Forum and the Bullfinch Group shows that the majority of Americans – 76% of registered voters – support Republicans and Democrats working together toward meaningful immigration reform that creates pathways for immigrants (such as Dreamers and farmworkers) and solutions for the situation at the border. Additionally, a majority of respondents agree that the U.S. should provide refuge for those fleeing persecution (68%) and that welcoming newcomers is an American value (71%). It’s worth noting that the majority of self-identified Republican respondents were also in support of these statements (74%, 55%, and 58% respectively).

Americans want to welcome. Click on the image to read more about the polling. (Source: National Immigration Forum)

If this is the case, why do leaders and lawmakers such as those in Florida continue to present legislation that sends the message that immigrants are not welcome? Anti-immigration rhetoric is not what resonates with the majority of Americans, who have shown time and again that they have moderate views on immigration, which include finding bipartisan solutions and welcoming newcomers through lawful pathways.

This is why it is incredibly important to continue raising our voices to remind local and national leaders that welcome truly is an American value that should be practiced and preserved. Please continue to reach out to your Members of Congress with us to send them this timely message: immigrants are welcome here!

Stay healthy and hopeful,

Allison

Allison Bassett
Senior Field and Constituencies Associate
National Immigration Forum 

P.S. The Council on National Security and Immigration (CNSI) celebrated its anniversary earlier this month, marking two years of national security leaders in the country speaking up for immigration policies that welcome immigrants and strengthen our country’s security. Check out this video to hear about what CNSI stands for.

NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:

BAPTIST NEWS GLOBAL: Polling is shifting on conservatives’ attitudes on immigration

ROLL CALL: House Democrats call to improve border appointment app

BUSINESS INSIDER: America's Lack of Immigration Reform Is Pushing Workers to Canada, UK

CBS NEWS: U.S. to extend legal stay of Ukrainian refugees processed along Mexican border

AMERICA MAGAZINE: Bishop Seitz on Biden’s new asylum policy: Death cannot be the cost of our immigration laws