Florida Enacts Two Sweeping Immigration Enforcement Laws
On February 13, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law two immigration-related bills aimed at assisting enforcement of President Trump’s immigration policies. Below are some key aspects of the new laws. One law creates new immigration-related state crimes and enhanced penalties . These changes include making it a crime for adults to knowingly enter the state illegally or attempt to do so . Voting by undocumented immigrants is a third-degree felony under the legislation . Another measure imposes the death penalty for any undocumented immigrant convicted of a capital felony in Florida. The law also increases penalties for all misdemeanor crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. A second law focuses on Florida’s students. U nder this measure, undocumented immigrants will no longer be eligible for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. Beginning July of this year, students will be reevaluated for tuition classifications. Under these laws, approximately $300 ...