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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — After weeks of back-and-forth barbs, Governor Ron DeSantis has struck a deal with rebellious state lawmakers within his own party and called for another special session to tackle immigration issues.
So how will the proposed plan impact undocumented immigrants and what do Florida Democrats have to say about it?
“This is a story of ideas and what we have assembled is what we believe are the best ideas to support President Trump in his efforts to work on illegal immigration in this country,” said Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula.
“Every single time I stand in this chamber, I am reminded we are a part of something bigger than ourselves,” said House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami.
Governor DeSantis and legislative leaders have compromised, blending both of their immigration proposals into one.
“This is a win for Florida and a win for the country,” said Senator Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota.
One of the bills that will be debated on aims to protect state borders, making it a state level offense to enter or re-enter Florida illegally.
“If you are a criminal illegal alien and you have a detained request outstanding, and you’re a gang banger, cartel member, a bad person, then yes, you should be afraid. If you’re an uninvited guest and not breaking the law, no you should not be worried,” Gruters said.
Republican sponsors of the new bill package say the latest version is similar to the TRUMP Act with only minor adjustments. However, even with those changes, Democrats are not impressed, but rather worried for immigrants here in the state.
“If I am an immigrant period and I am in this country illegally, even though I may not be a criminal, but I am here illegally, you’re saying that I am going to be deported. So I am not understanding this,” said Representative Dianne Hart, D-Tampa. “People have every right to be afraid and they are petrified.”
As the governor and legislature try and align with the Trump Administration on immigration, Representative Hart questions who she came here to serve
“I came here thinking I was going to be working on behalf of the people of the state of Florida. You have me working for the president of the United States,” Hart said.
Governor DeSantis says the policies presented now are something he can get behind. Lawmakers will debate on the bill hoping to finally wrap up the special session on illegal immigration Thursday.