Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has long criticized the Biden administration over its handling of the "border crisis."
Though the Governor undertook a "Pro-Police" tour this week, DeSantis is now vowing to address immigration concerns. Outlining immigration legislation that he will propose, DeSantis is assuring he will "protect Floridians from federal open border policies."
Governor DeSantis' immigration legislation will address 3 key areas, which include enhancing penalties for human smuggling, expanding E-verify requirements, and disincentivizing illegal immigration in Florida.
DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) have been some of the most vocal Republicans regarding illegal immigration. Citing the danger of fentanyl coming into the country, Abbott warned that Biden should no longer "ignore" the "border crisis."
In an infographic detailing the proposed legislation, DeSantis shared several measures that are meant to curb illegal immigration into the sunshine state. This includes a "3rd-degree felony to knowingly transport, conceal, or harbor illegal aliens - punishable by 5 years in prison," "2nd-degree felony when the illegal alien is a minor - punishable by 15 years in prison," and "a person charged with these offenses will not be released from jail until their first appearance."
As well, his legislation "requires all employers in Florida to use E-verify to determine employment eligibility," makes it a felony to use false identification to obtain eligibility," "prohibits local governments from issuing ID cards to unauthorized aliens and invalidates out-of-state licenses issued to unauthorized aliens" among other measures.
DeSantis has quickly risen up the ranks of prospective 2024 presidential candidates, and while President Donald Trump (R) and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (R) have both directed verbal jabs at DeSantis, Governor Greg Abbott is another Republican who's speculated to be mulling over a presidential run. However, while Republicans appear to be rallying behind a possibly DeSantis run, Abbott has received mixed reactions from conservatives.
