A new study from the University of South Florida reveals that Florida’s strict immigration reform has caused significant psychological and economic strain on both undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens.
Why it matters:
Florida is home to over a million undocumented immigrants, and this research shows that the effects of policies targeting them extend to their families and local communities.
The bigger picture:
Governor Ron DeSantis, who has supported President-elect Trump’s plan for mass deportations, signed a law in 2023 described as the “strongest” immigration crackdown in the country.
What the law does:
Senate Bill 1718, signed by DeSantis last year, makes it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to live and work in the state. It penalizes companies that employ them and requires hospitals to ask about a patient’s immigration status.
Study findings:
Between May and July of 2024, USF researchers surveyed 466 immigrants—both documented and undocumented—about the impact of the law. The results confirmed many of the concerns raised by advocates when the law passed:
Hundreds of immigrants reported experiencing psychological and financial stress.
Many immigrants have also been reluctant to seek medical care due to fear of legal consequences.
Nearly half (46%) of those surveyed said they know someone who left Florida because of the law.
Over half (56%) expressed concern about the availability of educational services for themselves or their children.
The study also found that U.S. citizens, some of whom have undocumented relatives, are also experiencing psychological stress due to the law’s ripple effects.
What experts are saying:
Elizabeth Aranda, a sociology professor at USF and co-author of the study, described Florida as a “smaller-scale experiment” in cracking down on undocumented immigrants. She warned that if similar policies are adopted nationwide under the new administration, the effects seen in Florida could be felt across the United States.
This research sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of aggressive immigration laws and highlights the emotional and financial toll they take on individuals, families, and entire communities.
Related topics:
- Hispanic Democrats Push for Safeguards for Illegal Immigrants in Effort to ‘Trump-Proof’ Policies
- Michigan Supreme Court to Review Immigrant Rights Law Firm’s Claims
- Cuba Slams Trump’s Mass Deportation Plan as Unworkable and Unrealistic
