What's Happening with Immigration in Florida?
Federal immigration policies seem to be in a constant state of change lately. To make matters more complicated for Floridians, immigration-related state laws are also shifting frequently.
Keeping up with the current status of immigration can seem impossible, and the unknown often adds to the fear many residents are already feeling.
Florida and Immigration: Facts and Figures
- According to the Florida chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), there are almost 5 million immigrants living in the state. In addition, over 700,000 families in Florida are of mixed status.
- The American Immigration Council reports that immigrants make up 26% of Florida's labor force.
- Around 33% of self-employed residents in Florida are immigrants.
Changes in Florida's Approach to Immigration
The Trump administration has made sweeping adjustments to immigration policies in the few short months since inauguration, but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has also signed immigration-related bills that would further Trump's agenda in the state.
One of the new Florida laws, SB 4-C, made it a felony for some immigrants to enter the state and required jail time to be served without bond. At the beginning of April, a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of this law, and this block was extended at the end of April. While the current ruling that the law is unconstitutional provides some temporary relief, only time will tell how harsh federal policies will affect Florida legislation. What is certain, however, is that many residents are fearful of what is to come for them and their families.
Other Recent Immigration-Related News in Florida
In February 2025, a law was signed barring undocumented immigrants attending college in Florida from eligibility for in-state tuition. Undocumented students will no longer be able to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges beginning in July.
Florida's cooperation with ICE's 287(g) Program, which extends immigration enforcement to local authorities, led to the arrest of over 1,100 people in a six-day span in April. Some reports estimate that 27% of the people arrested did not have existing criminal convictions or charges. Governor DeSantis praised Florida's hardnosed approach to immigration enforcement, saying that the state is leading the nation when it comes to immigration enforcement and deportation.
If any of these immigration issues could impact you or your family, or if you have other questions about how immigration laws may affect you, contact TCB Legacy Law at call us or at https://www.tcblegacy.com/contact-us.
