Migrant workers, advocates challenge DeSantis’ new immigration law

On Monday, a federal lawsuit was filed by migrant workers and advocates against a portion of a recent Florida law that criminalizes the transportation of individuals who have unlawfully entered the country

The suit claims the law is unclear, thereby encouraging “unlawful arrest, prosecution, and harassment ”

The controversial law, strongly backed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, stands among several actions undertaken by the state’s Republican leadership in recent years, aimed primarily at immigrants crossing the border from Mexico

The enacted law includes amendments to the existing human-smuggling law to make it a felony to transport into the state an individual who the transporter is aware of, or “reasonably should know,” has entered the country illegally

The law imposes punitive measures on those who transport immigrants who “entered the United States in violation of law and has not been inspected by the federal government since his or her unlawful entry ” Violators could face charges of a second-degree felony for each offense

However, the lawsuit, lodged in Miami on Monday, asserts that “Section 10” of the law lacks clarity According to the complaint, this section fails to define the term “inspected,” rendering it “hopelessly vague and incoherent ”

The complainants point out that the phrasing of “Section 10” could potentially encompass a wide variety of immigrants, including those who are lawfully present in the United States or are actively seeking legal immigration status

The plaintiffs argue that the law could restrict family and friends from visiting each other, hinder parents from accessing healthcare for their children, and prevent congregants from aending church services. They allege the law places thousands of residents, both citizens and non-citizens, at risk of being arrested, charged, and prosecuted for transporting a vaguelydefined group of immigrants into Florida.

Diplomatic tensions from

Caribbean National Weekly’s efforts to reach out to Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General in Miami, have proved futile, as there has been no response as of yet regarding their position

United States retaliates by revoking visas of Jamaican diplomats

According to Jamaican media reports, the

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United States, in response, rejected a separate request from Jamaica to extend the stay of three diplomats stationed at the Jamaican embassy and consulates within the United States Consequently, these diplomats have been instructed to leave the country immediately following the expiration of their five-year diplomatic visas

This move diverges from the existing practice, where extensions to diplomatic visas for Jamaican diplomats beyond the five-year

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of several plaintiffs, including the Farmworker Association of Florida, Inc , and other migrant workers and advocates, identified by their initials

Among these, one plaintiff, an employee of a non-profit, assists in transporting immigrants from Georgia to Jacksonville for meetings with U S Citizenship and Immigration Services officials Another plaintiff, known as “CA,” is a U S citizen residing in Miami

She is the legal custodian of her grandson, who was brought to the U S by his mother as they fled their home country in fear for their lives, the lawsuit detailed

The suit further highlights the significant disruption the law has caused to people’s lives, particularly those who used to travel to other states for seasonal work as migrant workers or to visit family

The plaintiffs argue that the law could restrict family and friends from visiting each other, hinder parents from accessing healthcare for their children, and prevent congregants from attending church services

Furthermore, they allege the law places thousands of residents, both citizens and noncitizens, at risk of being arrested, charged, and prosecuted for transporting a vaguely-defined group of immigrants into Florida

The lawsuit contends that the state law intrudes on powers constitutionally reserved for the federal government

Moreover, it impedes the federal immigration system by barring immigrants from entering Florida and forces state officials into unlawfully making complex decisions regarding individuals’ immigration status and history, according to the plaintiffs

When approached for comment on the lawsuit, aides to Governor DeSantis dismissed it Jeremy Redfern, DeSantis’ spokesperson, stated in an email that the state would persist in its fight against illegal immigration and human trafficking, promising to defend Florida’s “humane laws” against attacks from organizations like the ACLU and its “leftist cronies ”

Florida has lodged several lawsuits over the past few years challenging the Biden administration’s handling of immigration

The state’s governor, Ron DeSantis is a candidate in the 2024 Republican presidential race period are typically granted as a routine matter

Among those directly impacted by the decision are Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, and Oliver Mair, the Consul General based in Miami Both officials have been instructed by American authorities to return to Jamaica within the current year

Tensions threaten diplomatic relations between the US and Jamaica

At present, it remains uncertain what further diplomatic measures, if any, the United