Florida Governor Ron DeSantis implemented new immigration laws that are considered the strictest in the country. The measures aim to tighten state control over immigration and toughen penalties for unauthorised residents.
DeSantis and Tougher Penalties and Restrictions for Immigrants
The reforms establish harsher penalties for immigrants without legal status who commit crimes in Florida. Among the most controversial changes, the death penalty was approved for serious crimes such as first-degree murder and child rape. This decision generate criticism from political sectors and civil rights defenders, who warn of possible conflicts with the Constitution.
In addition, the law makes it a state crime for immigrants who have evaded border inspections to enter Florida. This provision affects those over the age of 18 and gives new tools to state authorities to prosecute them.
Another measure eliminates in-state tuition for undocumented students, repealing a 2014 law that allowed them to pay lower fees at public universities. With this reform, students will have to cover much higher costs, limiting their access to higher education.
Increased State Control Over Immigration
The State Immigration Enforcement Board, composed of high-level officials, was created to coordinate actions with federal agencies and manage $250 million in grants to strengthen immigration enforcement.
The state’s migrant transportation programme was also expanded with a budget of $298 million. Although it was initially envisioned that Florida could deport immigrants out of the country, the final version of the bill restricts such action to requests from the federal government.
Strengthening Cooperation with ICE
The Florida Highway Patrol can now question, arrest and detain immigrants in statewide operations. DeSantis defended these measures by arguing that the federal government has failed to control the immigration crisis and suggested possible transfers of migrants to Guantanamo Bay.
The reforms have generated intense debate, with human rights groups warning of the impact on immigrant communities and possible legal challenges to the new provisions.
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