FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30,2023
Contact: Bethelhem Negash, bethelhem@undocublack.org
Washington, DC - The UndocuBlack Network vehemently denounces the Florida Senate Bill 1718 (SB 1718), a regressive and racist bill Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law on May 10, 2023. This immigration bill which will go into effect on July 1, 2023, will have severe and detrimental consequences for an already marginalized community and poses a significant threat to the well-being and rights of Black immigrants in the State.
The UndocuBlack Network opposes SB 1718 and its harmful implications that continues to entrench systemic barriers that disproportionately harm Black immigrants as the low-hanging fruit. In solidarity with all immigrant communities across Florida, we will continue to fight against all harmful policies and punitive measures that perpetuate cycles of exploitation, dehumanization, and criminalization of Black migrants and tear our communities apart.
“SB 1718, signed into law by Governor Desantis, contains provisions that disproportionately affect Black immigrants, exacerbating existing disparities and perpetuating systemic injustice”, said Haddy Gassama, National Director of Policy and Advocacy. “The bill introduces restrictive measures that impede the ability of Black immigrants to access crucial resources and opportunities, hindering their integration into society and further marginalizing them. Most concerning to our community, the bill mandates greater collaboration between state and federal immigration enforcement agencies, leading to heightened scrutiny, profiling, and targeting of Black immigrants.”
“This law undermines due process rights by expanding the authority of state officials to question immigration status during routine interactions, such as traffic stops”, said Grace Njagi, Policy Analyst. “Among other harmful provisions, SB 1718 also perpetuates racial disparities in access to resources, exacerbating existing inequalities and impeding the community's ability to thrive by restricting access to critical social services, including healthcare, and education based on immigration status. This provision opens the door to racial profiling and discriminatory practices, leading to unjust targeting of Black immigrants.”
###
