Q&A of the Day – Are Illegal Immigrants Getting Drivers Licenses In Florida?
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Today’s Entry: Is it true that illegal immigrants by the hundreds are getting drivers licenses in Pompano Beach? Why hasn’t DeSantis done something about this?
Bottom Line: Today’s note is in response to a viral video of what were purported to be hundreds of illegal immigrants lined up to get drivers licensees in Pompano Beach recently. The video includes commentary explaining that people pictured in the video were illegal immigrants waiting to obtain drivers licenses and that many were of “Somali” descent and of military age. The commentator also said All you need to vote is a driver’s license. If this is happening in Florida – I wonder where else in the country it’s taking place.
The video generated enough response that Governor DeSantis’ office has issued a public response in reference to the video and claims. According to Governor DeSantis’ communication director Bryan Griffin: Driver's licenses/ID cards are not being issued and will not be issued to illegal immigrants in Florida. Additionally, Governor DeSantis -Signed SB 1718 (2023) which prevents local gov'ts from issuing IDs to illegal immigrants and invalidates all out-of-state driver's licenses issued to illegal immigrants; and -Signed HB 1451 (2024) which prevents counties and municipalities from accepting ID cards issued to illegal immigrants by other jurisdictions.
I’ve extensively covered those two laws, but this hoax and the election season presents an opportunity to provide a refresh on what Florida’s current laws are regarding those lacking legal status. 2023’s Immigration law stated:
- Bans state, local governments and NGOs from issuing identification documents to illegal aliens and invalidates all out-of-state driver licenses
- Suspends licenses of any employer who knowingly employs illegal aliens
- It is unlawful under federal and state law to knowingly employ a foreign national who is not work authorized under US immigration laws
- Private employers with 25 or more employees must use E-Verify for all new hires.
- “Employee” is defined as an individual filling a permanent position under the control of the employer
- Knowingly using false or fraudulent documentation for the purposes of obtaining employment will be considered a third-degree felony.
2024’s new laws included three laws aimed at combating illegal immigration. They are: The Reclassification of Criminal Penalties, Identification Documents & Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License. As for what they do...
As noted by the state the Reclassification of Criminal Penalties law which will take effect October 1st will:
Enhance penalties for a crime committed by an individual who returns to the country illegally after an initial deportation.
- A third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison) after deportation will be charged as a second-degree felony (up to 15 years in prison).
- A second-degree felony (up to 15 years in prison) after deportation will be charged as a first-degree felony (up to 30 years in prison).
- A first-degree felony (up to 30 years in prison) after deportation will be charged as a life felony.
- Enhances penalties for crimes committed in furtherance of a drug cartel
The Identification Documents law which took effect July 1st:
- Prevents counties and municipalities from accepting ID cards issued to illegal aliens by other jurisdictions (it’s already illegal for any government to issue an ID card to an illegal immigrant/undocumented person in Florida).
The Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License law which took effect July 1st:
Increase penalties on individuals who operate a vehicle without a license.
- Increases the maximum sentence from 60 days in jail to one year in jail for two or more offenses, and a minimum mandatory sentence of ten days in jail for three or more offenses.
So, the video was a hoax and as always there are two sides to stories and one side to facts. Those are the facts.