At the center of growing fear and uncertainty in Florida is Senate Bill 1718, signed by Governor DeSantis in May and due to take effect on July 1. Recognized as one of the strictest anti-immigration laws in the nation, it significantly amplifies requirements on employers to verify the immigration statuses of new hires, curtails undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses, and penalizes the transportation of undocumented immigrants into the state.
Impacts on Healthcare
The legislation also impacts Florida’s healthcare system, demanding that any hospital that accepts Medicaid inquire about a patient’s citizenship or lawful presence in the country during intake. This follows previous efforts to monitor immigrants’ healthcare usage, such as DeSantis’ prior executive order instructing state agencies to track medical expenses for undocumented patients. Although the bill does not aim to deny care or expel immigrants, the fear generated by the law is already causing damage. Despite the bill allowing patients to decline to answer questions about their legal status and hospitals being federally mandated to provide emergency care regardless of immigration status, healthcare providers report confusion and fear among vulnerable immigrant patients. This fear is proving a significant deterrent to seeking essential medical treatment. “The fear is the biggest factor,” says Jennie Joseph, a midwife and founder of a Florida maternity clinic. “The message people hear is that they will be in jeopardy if they present in the hospital.”
Impacts on Agribusiness
Simultaneously, the imminent enforcement of SB 1718 is causing anxiety in the agricultural sector. In a packing plant in Quincy, Florida, where thousands of pounds of green tomatoes are prepared for national distribution, owner Graves Williams acknowledges the indispensable role of immigrant laborers. However, the new law has ignited an exodus of migrant workers from the state, raising concerns about potential labor shortages and their subsequent impact on businesses and the state’s economy. “How can one man pass one law and destroy all these businesses in Florida?” said Williams, owner of Quincy Tomato Company.
Businesses Brace for Impact
Florida’s strict immigration measures coincide with a sustained period of low unemployment during the post-pandemic recovery. Employers in construction, restaurants, landscaping, and various service sectors already face challenges in filling jobs. The anticipated labor shortage due to the new immigration limits will likely exacerbate this issue. The law could pose significant financial repercussions, especially considering that the state’s food and agriculture businesses contributed $53.76 billion in taxes, as reported by Feeding the Economy in 2023.
Political Repercussions and Wider Context
While the new law has drawn criticism and sparked concern, Governor DeSantis has continued to tout the law on his campaign trail for the Republican presidential nomination as proof of his firm stance on immigration. However, this approach has provoked questions from even his supporters about the potential economic ramifications of the new law. In the broader context, Florida’s legislation contrasts sharply with recent trends in other states to expand healthcare for undocumented immigrants, according to a report by the National Immigration Law Center. The report highlights that states of varying political leanings have enacted laws to enhance access to healthcare for all residents, regardless of immigration status, particularly during the pandemic. As Florida faces a pivotal moment with the enforcement of SB 1718, the potential impact of the law on the state’s healthcare system, economy, and migrant communities remains a looming concern.
SB 1718: A Looming Concern
As SB 1718 stands poised for implementation, a palpable sense of trepidation envelops Florida’s communities and businesses. The potential impact of the law extends far beyond the immediate scope of immigration, threatening to disrupt a multitude of sectors, from healthcare to agribusiness, service industries, and the economy at large.
Healthcare’s Shaky Ground
The healthcare sector, in particular, teeters on shaky ground, grappling with the dual challenge of delivering care to vulnerable populations and addressing their escalating fears of seeking medical attention. “The most damaging part of this law is the fear it has instilled in our patients,” says Jennie Joseph. “Even though we are not a hospital, and the law does not require us to report immigration statuses, our patients are worried about coming in. Some are scared to leave their homes at all.” Clinics are taking steps to alleviate these fears, offering telehealth services and at-home visits for those too afraid to travel. However, the level of fear and misunderstanding is high, resulting in a potential public health crisis if undocumented immigrants avoid necessary care due to these worries.
Agribusiness in Distress
Agriculture, a cornerstone of Florida’s economy, is also feeling the shockwaves. As an industry heavily reliant on immigrant labor, a mass exodus of migrant workers could bring devastating consequences. Graves Williams, whose family has farmed tomatoes for decades, stands testament to this anxiety. “We couldn’t run a business without them,” he said about immigrant laborers. “But the fear this law has instilled is driving them away.” Despite the disquiet among many business owners, their reticence to publicly express their concerns, primarily driven by fear of antagonizing Governor DeSantis, complicates the dialogue around the new legislation.
A Potential Ripple Effect
Further exacerbating these concerns is the potential ripple effect on other sectors, such as construction, restaurants, landscaping, and various service industries. With the law compounding already existing issues around job fulfillment during the post-pandemic economic recovery, businesses across Florida may struggle to find the labor needed to operate effectively.
A Path Forward
The challenge for Florida lies in balancing immigration control with the health and economic welfare of all its residents. Only time will reveal the full impact of SB 1718 on Florida’s immigrant population, economy, and healthcare system. However, it is certain that the law’s impending implementation will continue to be a topic of fervent discussion and a matter of concern for all stakeholders involved. As the countdown to July 1 continues, the eyes of the nation are on Florida.
