Mexico Fires Back at New Florida Immigration Laws That Could Spark Discrimination

The government of Mexico slammed Florida's new immigration law that took effect on Saturday. Critics have so far called the law harsh, inhumane, or draconian, as it criminalizes transporting illegal immigrants, forces hospitals to check the immigration status of patients, and requires businesses to also verify the immigration status of all their workers.

The new law, backed and signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has already driven out many immigrant families living in the state for fear of reprisals. This has left construction sites, farms, and other industries virtually empty, with many experts saying Florida is heading to a labor and economic crisis because of this.

Mexico has now promised to help protect undocumented Mexicans in Florida as a response to the new Florida immigration law, which many see as a preview of what might happen should DeSantis win the presidency. He is currently trailing former President Donald Trump in the polls.

According to Reuters, the Mexican Foreign Ministry released a statement, warning that the provisions in the new DeSantis law could prompt discrimination and racial profiling. The law could also give rise to hostile environments, intimidation, and hate crimes against Latinos.

"Criminalization is not the way to resolve the phenomenon of undocumented migration," the statement said, which added that while it respects US legislative processes, it views the new law as working against joint efforts by both the US and Mexico in treating migrants with respect. It added that these new measures by DeSantis are "driven by xenophobia and white nationalism."

To help out Mexican immigrants in Florida, Mexican consulates around the US will work with civil society groups to identify potential cases of abuse and to inform migrants about their rights.

What Are the Changes This New Florida Immigration Law Is Bringing?

The Tallahassee Democrat listed several big changes in Florida thanks to this new law. This includes the fact that transporting a minor or more than five undocumented people into Florida now has a second-degree felony penalty. In addition, employers with 25 or more workers now have to use the federal E-Verify system when hiring workers. Those who do not comply will face stiff penalties.

In addition, hospitals that receive state and federal Medicaid reimbursements will now have to track how much money is spent on undocumented immigrants in emergency rooms. Healthcare providers are now required to ask if a patient is in the country legally. In addition, the new law also repeals a 2014 law that allowed undocumented immigrants to be admitted to practice law in Florida.

Immigrants Still Leaving Florida En Messe

The sweeping new Florida immigration law is now forcing many immigrants to leave the state, which passed despite all the criticism and protests from the Hispanic community. This law had already affected the agricultural industry in Florida, with Yvette Cruz of the Farmworkers Association of Florida telling CBS News that there are a lot of migrant workers abandoning fields and construction projects.

Undocumented migrants who have US citizen children are also afraid of being separated from them. One woman told CBS News, "I'm not going to leave my son behind, if I leave, my son is coming with me."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: 'Immigrants leaving Florida in fear': New immigration law sparks exodus of workers - MSNBC