Florida is witnessing an outpour of protests as businesses across the state close in response to the newly enacted anti-immigration law. Hundreds of protestors, including many workers, have come together in peaceful demonstrations to highlight the significant role of immigrants in Florida’s economy.
Protestors took to the streets of Fort Myers and Immokalee’s main roads, expressing their concerns and solidarity for the immigrant community. Among them were individuals like Jajayra Torres, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, and Karla Correa from St. Petersberg, who emphasized the importance and unity of immigrants in Florida.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed the controversial bill into law in May. Considered the strongest anti-illegal immigration legislation in the country, it mandates companies with 25 or more employees to use the federal online database, E-Verify, to determine work eligibility. It imposes penalties for employing illegal immigrants, forbids local governments from issuing identification cards to illegal immigrants, and requires hospitals to gather data on immigrant service. The law will come into effect a month from now.
Numerous local businesses, including Max Foods, Mucky Duck, and Iguana Mia’s Bonita Springs location, remained closed in support of their employees participating in the protests. Many businesses were left with no choice as their workforce joined the demonstrations.
Protestors’ signs bearing messages like “Immigrants make America great” reflected the sentiment of unity and resistance against the new law. The Florida Immigrant Coalition, community leaders, and Unidos Immokalee united for a peaceful protest in Immokalee.
The recent protests underline the strong reliance of Florida’s economy on its immigrant labor force and the potential impact of the new law on the state’s businesses and community cohesion. With demonstrations expected to continue, all eyes will be on Florida as it grapples with this complex issue.
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please don’t hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.
Source: WinkNews: https://winknews.com/2023/06/01/fort-myers-protestors-anti-immigration-law-local-businesses-closed/