In the current refugee and immigration crisis fueled by war, hatred, greed, and nationalism, it is no secret that Florida has become a hub for those suffering displacement. Studies from 2021 presented that of the 21.3 million people living in Florida, an estimated 8%, or roughly 1.8 million people, are immigrants. This number encapsulates refugees, asylum-seekers, citizen immigrants, and undocumented individuals.

With Florida’s proximity to Latin America, many Hispanic communities have sought refuge in South Florida, an area known for a culture created by the mixture of various immigrant communities. Miami, specifically, boasts historical areas, like Little Havana, receiving heavy influence from Cuban immigrants, whose ties are so deep to Florida, that Cubans make up 54 percent of the Miami population.

Even if you are a native-born citizen, many Floridian families are living amongst immigrant parents and grandparents. Such creates a state that is highly dependent on the actions of immigrants. Dissimilar to many other states within the U.S., this culture goes beyond just cuisine, language, and customs shared. Immigrants have proven to be a powerhouse for the betterment of the state of Florida. Even though foreigners only make up 8% of the Floridian population, the 2021 American Community Survey found that just non-citizen immigrants make up 11% of the Non-Elderly Workforce in Florida. They also make up a shocking 37% of the agriculture workforce.

Being one of the only tropical states in the country, various other states in the US are dependent on the products of agriculture coming from Florida. Oranges, tomatoes, corn, watermelon, strawberries, and bell peppers from Florida –all common American household ingredients– have individual annual production values ranging between 153-208 million dollars, as established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Altogether, these products have a production value of over one billion dollars.

Now put these statistics into perspective with the number of non-citizen populations working to mass produce and harvest items for the consumption of citizen Americans. With a simple analysis of these numbers, you can begin to understand more of why immigrants are such integral parts of our society.

Unfortunately, these esteemed, influential, hardworking peoples are under attack. On July 1st, 2023, Senate Bill 1718 presented difficult changes that reduce the abilities, legality, and quality of life of undocumented immigrants and newly-arrived asylum seekers. The bill eliminates validation of driver's licenses from some other states, and it requires businesses with over 25 employees to utilize E-Verify, a federal system that verifies if applicants have work permits and status to work in the United States. Those that do not comply with the bill will receive fines and are eligible to be charged with a felony. These two components begin to limit the ability of immigrants to work in Florida.

The implications of SB 1718 have caused an uproar within Florida businesses. Many truckers have begun boycotting truck deliveries across Florida, calling all immigrant workers to strike. This has created media havoc, as various videos of empty construction sites, agricultural nurseries, and usually immigrant-dominated worksites have begun circulating the internet. Other videos of immigrants moving away from Florida as soon as the bill passed have had similar effects.

Without the presence of immigrant workers in Florida, there will likely be a societal and cultural shift. This Anti-Immigrant Bill will likely force already displaced families to other states without as many restrictions. It may also cause more immigrants to experience homelessness in Florida, due to the lack of financial earnings. If you are a US citizen or an immigrant with status, this may not concern you because you don’t believe it can impact you. Unfortunately, I urge you to be concerned. Some professionals are predicting that this bill could cost Florida millions or billions of dollars, as thousands of these directly affected immigrants make up such a large portion of the workforce that produces hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

United States residents may begin to see this financial loss in inflated prices of fruits and vegetables, scarcity in commodities that come from Florida workers, and overall increased prices in their respective states, as many Florida immigrants may begin to make their way there.

This is only the surface of the issues that may arise as a result of the Anti-Immigrant legislation in Florida now. What was once a hub for distinct heritages is now a silent war against those that have recently arrived looking for a new home. If you support or are interested in maintaining peaceful relations with immigrants in the state of Florida, please be aware of the dangers of supporting such legislation and government in these times.

Works Cited

Camarota, Steven A., and Karen Zeigler. “.Monthly Census Bureau Data Shows Big Increase in Foreign-Born.” Center for Immigration Studies, Center for Immigration Studies, 2 November 2021, https://cis.org/Camarota/Monthly-Census-Bureau-Data-Shows-Big-Increase-ForeignBorn?gclid=CjwKCAjw5MOlBhBTEiwAAJ8e1oZ26LG0wwKF8JBMx0CWHiWJIEOa5Ah-iIudkKseC65qFbHP0NDxLxoCKX0QAvD_BwE.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Florida Agriculture Overview and Statistics / Agriculture Industry / Home.” Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, 2023, https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Agriculture-Overview-and-Statistics.

Pillai, Drishti, and Samantha Artiga. “Florida’s Recent Immigration Law Could Have Stark Impacts for Families and the State’s Economy.” KFF, KFF, 2 June 2023, https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/floridas-recent-immigration-law-could-have-stark-impacts-for-families-and-the-states-economy/.

Romo, Vanessa. “What is Florida SB 1718 and how will it affect immigrants, businesses, economy.” NPR, NPR, 30 May 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/05/30/1177657218/florida-anti-immigration-law-1718-desantis.

Sesín, Carmen. “Not Just Cubans: Many Latinos Now Call Miami Home.” NBC News, 4 March 2014, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/not-just-cubans-many-latinos-now-call-miami-home-n37241.