Visiting Florida as an undocumented immigrant will be an odyssey from July 1, 2023, when the SB 1718signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 10.

The legislation sets strict measures and sanctions that will affect family reunifications between undocumented immigrants and their relatives.

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The new law that makes it difficult for immigrants to meet families in Florida

Florida’s immigration law states, according to the statement on Governor DeSantis’ website:

Members of the South Florida immigrant community demonstrate against Florida’s immigration law SB1718, in Homestead, Florida, United States. Photo: EFE

In addition, the new law considers two aspects related to the mobilization of undocumented immigrants in the United States that will affect family reunions.

Article 3 of the law states:

“If a driver’s license belongs to a class of driver’s licenses issued by another state solely to undocumented immigrants who cannot legally prove their presence in the United States at the time the licenses are issued, the driver’s license or other permit that claims authorizing the holder to operate a motor vehicle on public roads is not valid in this state,” the text refers.

The numbers in this section indicate that an officer can ticket drivers using these types of licenses. Likewise, it hints that the department responsible for mobility in the state will publish on its website the list of classes of driver’s licenses from other states that are invalid in Florida.

According to Al Día Dallas, at least 19 states and the District of Columbia issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.

Section 10 makes it a third-degree felony to transport undocumented immigrants into Florida. It is also an offense if more than five people or a minor are being transported.