Florida’s immigration landscape is undergoing a transformation, spearheaded by Senate Bill 1718, signed into law last May by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. Aimed at curbing undocumented labor, the legislation mandates hospitals to inquire about immigration status and criminalizes the transportation of undocumented individuals into the state. DeSantis has touted it as “the strongest legislation against illegal immigration anywhere in the country,” underlining his commitment to removing incentives for undocumented migration.
The ripple effects of this stringent law extend beyond dissuading newcomers; they are palpable among the nearly one million undocumented immigrants already residing in Florida. Manuel Vasquez, proprietor of an ice cream parlor in Fort Myers, reports a significant decline in patronage, with approximately 30% of his clientele departing, leaving behind a climate of fear among those who remain. Vasquez recounts the anxieties voiced by his customers, many of whom now face trepidation on their daily commutes to work, contemplating the potential repercussions on their families should they not return home.
However, the repercussions aren’t confined to the social fabric; the economic ramifications loom large. The agricultural sector, reliant on immigrant labor, is feeling the brunt of the legislation. Farmer Fidel Sanchez, grappling with a labor market already stretched thin, witnesses firsthand the exodus of longtime workers, leaving behind fields of rotting produce. Nationally, over 40% of farmworkers are estimated to be undocumented, exacerbating concerns about labor shortages and crop viability.
Estimates from the Florida Policy Institute paint a stark picture, projecting potential economic losses of $12.6 billion in the state’s economy within the first year of implementation. The legislation’s impact underscores the complex interplay between immigration policy, social cohesion, and economic stability in the Sunshine State.
Contributing to this report were Connor Donovan, Noah Caldwell, and Christine Arrasmith, with audio engineering by Tiffany Vera Castro. Jeanette Woods and Alfredo Carbajal provided editorial oversight, with Sami Yenigun serving as executive producer.
