Governor Ron Desantis signed the anti-immigrant bill SB 1718 into law. This harmful law is a laundry list of cruel policies meant to encroach upon the day-to-day lives of immigrants and those around them.
This law goes into effect starting July 1st, 2023.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Traveling into Florida.
Providing transportation to undocumented people from outside Florida into the state is now a criminal offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison, regardless of whether they are family, friends, or co-workers. However, it is not a crime to provide transportation within the state to an undocumented person.
2. Driver’s Licenses.
Out-of-state driver’s licenses for undocumented people are no longer valid in Florida, and those who drive with them can be fined and potentially detained. If you’re an undocumented person traveling to, or driving in, Florida with a license from another state, we urge you to have a clear safety plan in place. Text “NOTIFICA” to 787-57 to download UWD’s app where you can make your plan.
3. E-verify.
Businesses with more than 25 employees are required to use E-Verify, a flawed system that determines work eligibility based on immigration status. This hurts businesses, the economy of the state and, most importantly, our people’s ability to earn a living and provide for their families.
4. Community IDs.
Local governments are no longer allowed to provide funds for community IDs. However, existing community IDs remain valid forms of local identification and community ID programs remain running and accessible.
5. Seeking Health Care
Hospitals will be required to ask for a patient’s immigration status. However, everyone, regardless of status, still has the right to access healthcare, and you can decline to answer this question when asked.
Our families deserve to live in certainty and without fear. We must protect each other and use our collective power to fight back. If you’re ready to join us, text “KNOW YOUR POWER” to 787-57 or sign up here to stay up to date, get access to Know Your Rights resources, and join the fight.
