Sen. Jason Pizzo (I-Sunny Isles) criticized Florida lawmakers on Tuesday for being unserious about ending illegal immigration in the state. Pizzo, running for governor as an Independent, has been at the forefront of tougher immigration policy in the Republican-controlled legislature.
"While the Governor has been receiving and signing bills from this legislative session, there’s one he won’t receive - my bill on E-Verify," Pizzo said. "Unless (and until) we have a special session that includes it, no Florida politician is really serious about curbing illegal immigration."
Sen. Pizzo, once the Democratic Leader, is referring to SB 782. The bill would have required companies in the state to use E-Verify, regardless of their size, to confirm that potential hires are eligible to be legally employed.
E-Verify is an Internet-based system that helps employers confirm the eligibility of their potential new hires. The system checks a person's Form I-9 and Employment Eligibility Verification against records with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
SB 782 also included harsh penalties for employers, with fines ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 based on repeat offenses.
Moreover, Pizzo's version was tougher than similar legislation filed by Republican lawmakers during the legislative session. Instead, the bill was withdrawn and postponed from consideration.
Pizzo has been an outspoken critic of Florida Republicans on Illegal immigration, including on E-Verify.
Notably, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law in 2023 that requires private employers to use E-Verify for new hires, albeit with 25 or more employees.
Pizzo, running as a moderate for governor in right-leaning Florida, is looking to solidify the immigration crisis in a state won by President Donald Trump, whose long-standing platform has included tough policies against illegal immigration.
Gov. DeSantis has also worked to curb the problem.
Is Pizzo looking to solidify a major Republican issue while giving voters another lane?
Probably so.
Illegal immigration will surely come up in the months ahead. With Pizzo, a former prosecutor, and Trump-backed Congressman Byron Donalds looking to become governor, it could provide for an interesting chess match.
