The enactment of a new immigration law in Florida has triggered fear and anxiety among undocumented immigrants residing in the United States.
Photo Credit: USA today
At the crack of dawn, amidst the darkness, workers with backpacks gather in a parking lot adjacent to the Azteca market in Immokalee.
Arriving on bicycles or on foot, they make their way into the market to purchase refreshments, lunch, or work gloves.
As Mexican music legend Joan Sebastian serenades them through the intercom, vans and repurposed school buses fill the area, ready to transport these workers to farms, construction sites, and landscaping jobs across Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast.
The Agonizing Decision
For one 59-year-old Mexican woman who has spent the majority of her life in Immokalee, this routine has become all too familiar. However, the implementation of Senate Bill 1718, scheduled to take effect imminently, has plunged her into a state of turmoil. Contemplating whether to leave everything behind, she grapples with the devastating prospect of parting ways with her family, her home, and the support system that aided her through a battle with cancer.
The Harsh Reality Of Senate Bill 1718
Senate Bill 1718, championed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, encompasses a wide range of provisions that will significantly impact undocumented immigrants in Florida. The bill imposes stringent penalties and new restrictions, including the felony charge of transporting undocumented individuals across state lines into Florida. It also introduces stricter employment regulations, such as random audits of businesses suspected of hiring illegal workers. Additionally, the use of false identity documents to secure employment becomes a felony offence. Hospitals will be obligated to inquire about patients’ immigration status, and non-citizens from other states will be prohibited from using their driver’s licenses in Florida. Furthermore, the bill allocates an additional $12 million from the state’s general fund for the migrant relocation program, which has already attracted national attention for its controversial practices.
Fear And Rumors Intensify Concerns
The woman, who prefers to remain anonymous, shares her apprehension about the intentions behind this new law. Uncertainty and confusion prevail within immigrant communities as rumors and conflicting information circulate on social media platforms, exacerbating their fears. Critics argue that the legislation will lead to a labor shortage, adversely affecting crop harvests, home construction, and the tourism industry. Business owners already struggle to find sufficient workers, amplifying concerns about the bill’s potential ramifications.
The Immokalee Dilemma
The town of Immokalee, with its population of nearly 25,000 residents, serves as a microcosm of the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in the wake of Senate Bill 1718. Characterized by its vibrant community, Immokalee hosts various restaurants, money transfer shops, produce-packing warehouses, and a farmers market. Approximately 40% of its residents are foreign-born, hailing primarily from Mexico, Haiti, and Central America. Despite being an essential part of the local workforce, many immigrants find themselves caught in a continuous debate about whether to remain or leave.
The Impact On Immokalee
Stephanie Murillo, a 19-year-old daughter of former farmworkers, shares the prevailing sentiment of fear among the residents of Immokalee. She notices a decline in the number of people on the streets and empty restaurants, signaling a potential exodus of migrants. Maria Cardenas, a social worker in Immokalee, emphasizes the immense stress experienced by those whose children are American citizens. The prospect of uprooting their families and leaving behind everything they have known poses an agonizing dilemma. Nevertheless, Cardenas acknowledges that many families have already made the difficult decision to relocate.
Political Stances And Legal Preparations
Governor Ron DeSantis, who is currently vying for the Republican presidential nomination, has expressed his support for ending birthright citizenship and granting local authorities the power to enforce federal immigration laws. In response to the impending law, immigration attorney Eloise Ayala advises her clients to secure their children’s passports and complete power of attorney forms as a precautionary measure against possible deportation. However, misinformation and rumors surrounding the law have made some vulnerable to scams and have further fueled anxieties among those unfamiliar with its specific provisions.
Unintended Consequences: Labor Shortage
While some Republican state lawmakers downplay the impact of Senate Bill 1718, the effects are already becoming apparent. Small construction contractors who frequently rely on laborers from Immokalee report project delays due to a shortage of available
