Florida Republicans have shown significant pushback against Governor Ron DeSantis' immigration policies, which are heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump. Despite DeSantis' efforts to implement a series of stringent immigration measures, including a special legislative session aimed at supporting Trump's immigration crackdown, top GOP lawmakers in the state House and Senate have labeled the session as "premature." They argue that these issues could be addressed during the regularly scheduled legislative session in March.
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DeSantis' proposals include mandating that Florida's counties and cities participate in federal deportation programs, making illegal entry a state crime, and requiring identification checks for sending money abroad. He also wants to enforce stricter penalties for undocumented immigrants committing voter fraud and repeal the 2014 law allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates.
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The resistance from GOP leaders, such as Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez, has been notable. They have not released a schedule for the session, and there is uncertainty about whether any measures will be considered. This pushback is significant because it marks a rare showdown between DeSantis and his own party's legislative leaders, challenging his influence over the Florida legislature.
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Immigrant rights advocates and organizations have also mobilized against DeSantis' proposals, expressing concerns about the potential impact on undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families. They argue that the proposed laws would create fear and uncertainty, potentially leading to self-deportation and economic hardships due to labor shortages.In summary, while DeSantis aims to align Florida's immigration policies closely with Trump's agenda, his efforts face significant opposition from within his own party and from advocacy groups concerned about the human and economic impacts of such stringent measures.
