SPLC Action Fund Responds to Passage of Harsh Anti-Immigrant Bills in Florida

TALLAHASSEE — Today, the SPLC Action Fund condemned the passage of three Florida bills that target and make life harder for immigrant families and communities, including SB 1036, HB 1451, and HB 1589, new laws that dehumanize and treat immigrant people with contempt by administering harsher penalties for the same alleged crimes committed by other residents of Florida.

“While no one is above the law, ensuring fair laws is paramount to a just society and an individual’s ability to achieve the American Dream,” said Jonathan Webber, Florida policy director, SPLC Action Fund. “No matter where we come from or what we look like, every Floridian should be able to support their families and live safe and healthy lives.

“Unfortunately, the governor and certain legislators seem more interested in passing extremist policies that will unnecessarily clog our beleaguered legal system and make life harder for working families who help keep Florida running. Moreover, HB 1451 will weaken public safety and undermine goodwill between law enforcement and the communities they serve by subverting popular local community ID programs that are used by many Florida residents, not just immigrants.

“SPLC will continue to work alongside Florida’s immigrant communities to make Florida a welcoming place despite these new laws,” concluded Webber.