Democratic lawmakers are pushing legal and humanitarian protections for immigrant communities in Florida.
The Welcoming Florida Act (HB 1527, SB 1598), introduced by House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Dotie Joseph, of Miami, and Orlando State Senator Victor Torres, Jr., also a Democrat, offers policy recommendations, supports language access initiatives, and establishes a statutory framework to analyze relevant trends in immigrant communities throughout the state.
The House legislation, Immigration and State-issued Identification, revises provisions relating to driver licenses, removes provisions relating to patient immigration status data collected by hospitals, licenses to practice law for unauthorized immigrants, employers using E-Verify, human smuggling, and sanctuary policies. It also requires state and political subdivisions to accept certain identification documents, revises provisions related to person’s immigration status and obtaining a professional or occupational license, law enforcement agreements with ICE, cooperation with federal immigration authorities by correctional facilities, visa applications, and children’s immigration status affecting access to public schools.
The bill also offers strict regulations to prevent individuals who are not licensed attorneys or authorized under federal law to assist in immigration cases from practicing immigration law while emphasizing that their services are not considered the practice of law. In addition to protecting vulnerable people from opportunistic individuals engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, the bill also repeals several state laws that Democrats say “attack our neighbors, friends, and loved ones who are immigrants,” including:
- SB 1718’s unnecessary and harmful enhancements to Florida’s human smuggling statute – enhanced and mandated for Medicaid-receiving healthcare providers to collect and report on immigration status, even though federal dollars cover those costs
- State laws related to sanctuary policies; obligations involving immigration detainers that undermine federal due process protections and mandate cooperation with federal immigration authorities; and detaining individuals without due consideration of costs borne by state and local law enforcement agencies
“America was founded on the principle of welcoming immigrants from around the world to come and make a better life for themselves and their families. The Welcoming Florida Act is about protecting dignity and respect, for all individuals, regardless of their current legal status,” Senator Torres said. “These migrants are vital to our State and National economy because they fill crucial vacant job openings in agricultural, hospitality, professional and other economic sectors. They also pay taxes that support our local economy, purchase goods and services that support our local businesses and provide revenues to support essential government services and programs for all Floridians.”
Other provisions of the bill establish a child’s fundamental right to access public schools, regardless of their background; reinstate the I-9 employment eligibility verification process for new employees, which provides relief to our businesses struggling with workforce deficiencies; and clarify immigration status alone cannot prevent someone from practicing law or acquiring a professional or occupational license.
“The Welcoming Florida Act reaffirms that immigrants are welcome here and despite xenophobic fearmongering for political gain, families who simply are trying to live the American Dream can do so without fear, which fosters economic prosperity, cultural enrichment, family unity, and humanitarian values,” said Representative Joseph.
The We Are Florida Coalition, formed by the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) and the SPLC Action Fund, is urging Florida lawmakers to pass the Welcoming Florida Act, a comprehensive bill that extends legal and humanitarian protections for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants living in Florida.
“The Welcoming Act is not just about rectifying past injustices; it’s a proactive step towards a more equitable and prosperous Florida. It embodies the values of respect, dignity, and collaboration essential for a thriving society,” said David Metellus, Director of Policy and Politics for the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “We call on the legislature to seize this moment and embrace a future where every individual, no matter where they are from, contributes to our collective success—a Florida that truly welcomes and empowers all.”
“This bill exemplifies fairness, safety and prosperity – values shared by most Floridians – and makes our state a welcoming place for all,” said Jonathan Webber, Florida policy director for the SPLC Action. “Immigration status should not prohibit anyone from accessing education and employment opportunities to feed, clothe and take care of themselves and their families while they are living in the state. We urge all Florida lawmakers to support this bill.”
“An estimated 10 percent of employees in Florida’s top industries — including agriculture and construction — are immigrants lacking a documented status,” said Sadaf Knight, CEO of Florida Policy Institute. “The GDP they contribute — $12.6 billion in a single year — is vital to the state’s economy and funding public services from which every Floridian benefits. And regardless of their economic contributions, all Floridians should be recognized for their inherent worth. The Welcoming Act will help do just that.”
View the proposed Democratic legislation, Welcoming Florida Act online: HB 1527/ SB 1598
