Tallahassee debates immigration bill for Florida

The debate continues in Tallahassee regarding certain immigration related issues. Florida Governor Rick Scott seeks to have an Arizona-style immigration bill become law across the state. The agriculture and tourism industries in Florida, however, say such a measure would harm the state’s economy.

Representative William Snyder, chair of the Florida House Judiciary Committee, said Thursday that he is leaning toward drafting a measure that would limit law enforcement inquiries into an individual’s immigration status to situations where law enforcement is involved in a criminal investigation. The current measure is not as limited, allowing inquiries during any “lawful stop” of a person.

Snyder continues to support the idea of requiring all Florida employers to participate in the federal E-verify system. Earlier this month Governor Rick Scott signed an executive order requiring all state agencies to use the federal government’s E-verify system to screen prospective employees for state jobs. The executive order did not include private employers in Florida.

Companies that seek and obtain federal contracts are generally required to use the federal E-verify system. Experienced Florida employment eligibility verification attorneys assist companies that are required to use the system with their E-verify and I-9 compliance requirements.

Arizona has required all employers to participate in E-verify. As this blog recently reported the Arizona E-verify law is an issue before the United States Supreme Court. Similarly, the Arizona law providing for immigration status checks is under challenge in federal courts.

Source: Palm Beach Post, “Fla. Gov wants Arizona-like immigration law, but House leaning to Arizona-light,” John Lantigua, Dara Kam 27 Jan 2011