Several civil-rights groups, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Florida, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and the American Immigration Council, have jointly filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s new immigration law. This lawsuit was filed in Miami federal court on Monday against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Statewide Prosecutor Nicholas B. Cox on behalf of the Farmworker Association of Florida and others.
The legislation, signed into law by Governor DeSantis in May, aims to strengthen his migrant relocation program while imposing limitations on social services available to immigrants without permanent legal status. Additionally, it expands the requirements for businesses with more than 25 employees to utilize E-Verify, a federal system used to verify employees’ eligibility to work in the United States. Furthermore, the new law mandates hospitals that accept Medicaid to include a citizenship question on intake forms.
The legal action taken by these civil-rights groups highlights the concerns surrounding this legislation and its potential impact on immigrant communities in Florida. By challenging the law through the court system, they seek to address the issues and protect the rights of immigrants within the state.
Lawsuit Challenges Florida Immigration Provisions
A recent lawsuit has taken aim at specific provisions in Florida that criminalize the transportation of individuals who may have entered the country unlawfully and have not been “inspected” by the federal government since. The complaint argues that it is unconstitutional for a state to unilaterally regulate federal immigration and subject people to criminal punishment without fair notice. Additionally, it contends that Florida’s use of the term “inspection” is both incoherent and unconstitutionally vague.
DeSantis’ Stance on Illegal Immigration
Florida Governor DeSantis, who recently launched a campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, has been vocal about his tough stance on illegal immigration. He has gone so far as to send Florida National Guard soldiers to Texas for border security and directed the state to cover the costs of charter flights transporting migrants from Texas to other parts of the country.
Governor’s Response
As of now, there has been no response from the governor’s office regarding the lawsuit. However, a spokesperson for the governor’s office has previously stated that the new law targets illegal immigration rather than those who are legally present in the United States.
DeSantis Faces Scrutiny for Flying Migrants from Texas to California
Texas Sheriff Probes DeSantis’s Controversial Migrant Flights to Martha’s Vineyard
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is under fire for his decision to transport migrants from Texas to California, raising concerns among both his opponents and law enforcement officials. The move has sparked an investigation by a Texas sheriff who seeks to uncover the motives behind DeSantis’s actions.
It is not yet clear why the migrants were flown specifically to Martha’s Vineyard, a popular vacation destination off the coast of Massachusetts. However, this unusual choice has only fueled further curiosity and speculation about the governor’s intentions.
Critics argue that such a transportation initiative is unnecessary and potentially a waste of resources. While DeSantis has not publicly addressed these allegations, he continues to stand by his decision.
As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding these particular flights. For now, the public waits for answers, unsure of what they will reveal and what implications this controversy may hold for DeSantis’s political future.