State-Level Immigration Enforcement Measure Passes Senate; Returns to House

HB 527 (Byrd) was passed by the House ( 69-47). The Senate took up its similar companion measure, SB 168 (Gruters), amended the bill and passed it ( 22-18). Among other Senate amendments, protections were added for any undocumented immigrant who has been a witness to or victim of certain crimes, including domestic violence, rape, murder, and human trafficking. The Senate bill moves to the House for further consideration.

The FCCB opposes this state-level legislation that requires the extended detention of every undocumented immigrant who U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) suspects is subject to deportation and is in the custody of local law enforcement for any reason - even those who have not been convicted of a crime.

The Florida bishops urge Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level that brings people out of the shadows by allowing a pathway to citizenship, expands family reunification and employment-based visas so that the number of available visas is parallel to the demand our economy creates for migrant labor, and addresses root causes of migration in sending countries. Border enforcement needs to be part of this broader reform.

We are grateful to our FLCAN members who urged their lawmakers to vote "no" on these state-level immigration bills.