On May 10, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the anti-immigrant Senate Bill 1718 to take action against undocumented immigrants which will be implemented on July 1, 2023. This legislation makes E-verify mandatory for any employer with 25 or more employees with enforceable monetary and prison penalties, including strict sanctions for anyone caught transporting undocumented immigrants into the state of Florida. Hospitals will now be forced to collect and submit information regarding peoples immigration status. Identification cards and licenses granted from pro immigrant states will no longer be a valid form of identification in the state of Florida neither will municipal identification cards from local Florida governments. 

This law is not only devastating to the residents of Florida but may result in other states proposing and adopting similar laws. 

Mujeres Unidas y Activas, a community  organization of Latina and indigenous Immigrant Women denounces this hateful and xenophobic law. We believe that all immigrants regardless of immigration status have the right to live freely and safely  wherever they choose. We stand in solidarity with anyone forced to abandon their home, leave their job and disrupt their day to day activities. As an organization of mostly essential workers and immigrants we know the negative effects of losing employment and having to abandon one’s home. We encourage everyone to know their rights and stand against anti-immigrant laws. 

As a community, we become stronger when we know our rights and unite to continue fighting for the rights of undocumented immigrants.

If you are in Florida and find yourself having to escape this anti-immigrant law, remember, you have rights! Text “KYR” @ 787-57 to receive additional resources.