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Lawsuit Filed by Civil Rights Groups Against Florida Officials Over New Immigration Law

by Madison Thomas
5 comments
immigration law

On Monday, a federal lawsuit was initiated by multiple civil rights organizations, challenging the newly implemented immigration law in Florida.

According to court records, the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Florida, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and the American Immigration Council jointly filed the lawsuit in Miami federal court. The defendants named in the lawsuit include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Statewide Prosecutor Nicholas B. Cox. The plaintiffs, representing the Farmworker Association of Florida and others, aim to challenge the constitutionality of the law.

The legislation, signed into law by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in May, reinforces his migrant relocation program and imposes restrictions on social services available to immigrants without permanent legal status. Additionally, it expands the requirements for businesses with more than 25 employees to utilize E-Verify, a federal system used to verify an individual’s eligibility for employment in the United States. Another provision mandates hospitals accepting Medicaid to include a citizenship question on intake forms.

The lawsuit primarily focuses on the sections of the law that criminalize the transportation of individuals into Florida who may have entered the country unlawfully and have not undergone “inspection” by the federal government. The complaint argues that it is unconstitutional for a state to unilaterally regulate federal immigration and subject individuals to criminal penalties without fair notice. Furthermore, it asserts that Florida’s usage of the term “inspection” is both unclear and unconstitutionally vague.

Governor Ron DeSantis, who launched his campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination in May, has emphasized his strict stance against illegal immigration. His actions include deploying Florida National Guard soldiers to Texas for border security and authorizing Florida’s payment for charter flights transporting migrants from Texas to other parts of the country.

As of Monday, the governor’s office has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit. Previously, a spokesperson for the governor’s office stated that the new law targets illegal immigration rather than individuals who are lawfully present in the United States.

Source: AP Top Stories July 18

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about immigration law

What is the basis of the lawsuit filed by civil rights groups against Florida officials?

The lawsuit filed by civil rights groups against Florida officials is based on challenging the constitutionality of the new immigration law and its provisions that criminalize certain activities related to immigration.

Which civil rights groups are involved in the lawsuit?

The Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Florida, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and the American Immigration Council are the civil rights groups involved in the lawsuit.

What are some key provisions of the new immigration law in Florida?

The new immigration law in Florida signed by Governor Ron DeSantis includes provisions that strengthen the migrant relocation program, restrict social services for immigrants without permanent legal status, expand E-Verify requirements for businesses, and mandate the inclusion of a citizenship question on intake forms for Medicaid-accepting hospitals.

What specific aspect of the law is being challenged in the lawsuit?

The lawsuit primarily focuses on the provisions of the law that criminalize the transportation of individuals into Florida who may have entered the country unlawfully and have not undergone “inspection” by the federal government. It argues that this unilateral regulation of federal immigration and the use of the term “inspection” are unconstitutional and vague.

What is Governor Ron DeSantis’ stance on immigration?

Governor Ron DeSantis has taken a tough stance against illegal immigration and has demonstrated his commitment through actions such as deploying Florida National Guard soldiers to Texas for border security and arranging for charter flights to transport migrants from Texas to other parts of the country. His office has stated that the new law targets illegal immigration and not individuals who are lawfully present in the United States.

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5 comments

JaneDoe77 July 18, 2023 - 1:58 pm

i’m glad that there are civil rights groups standing up for immigrants’ rights. it’s important to challenge laws that could be unconstitutional and negatively impact people’s lives. kudos to them for taking action and fighting for justice!

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John_Smith July 18, 2023 - 4:21 pm

oh boy, here we go again with these lawsuits and stuff. like, can’t they just figure out the immigration stuff without all the fighting and court battles? it’s so confusing and just adds more chaos to the whole situation. smh!

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LanguageLover July 19, 2023 - 3:34 am

The lack of clarity and vagueness in Florida’s immigration law is concerning. Laws should be written in a way that people can understand and follow them without confusion. It’s important for the court to assess whether these provisions are fair and provide adequate notice to individuals.

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FreeSpirit42 July 19, 2023 - 3:42 am

Florida’s immigration law seems pretty tough, targeting immigrants without permanent legal status and making it harder for businesses and hospitals. it’s a controversial topic, and it’s no surprise that civil rights groups are filing a lawsuit. let’s see how this plays out in court!

Reply
InfoGeek July 19, 2023 - 8:55 am

The involvement of prominent civil rights organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center and ACLU shows the significance of this lawsuit. It’s crucial to examine the constitutionality of laws that potentially infringe upon individuals’ rights. I hope this case sheds light on the complexities of immigration law and its impact on vulnerable populations.

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