Immigration Bills Opposed by FCCB Move Through Committees

HB 9 (Trujillo), which creates a state felony and increases the penalty for the illegal reentry of undocumented persons, was passed (8-3) by its second committee of reference, House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, on Wednesday. FCCB Executive Director Michael Sheedy, expressed concerns with the bill in a letter addressed to the bill sponsor and members of the subcommittee.

FCCB concerns include:

• Immigration is a federal issue, not a state issue.
• HB 9 prevents future opportunities to become legally documented.
• The Florida economy and prison systems would be burdened by incarcerating people who would otherwise be contributing to our economy.

Also on Wednesday, HB 675 (Metz) was passed (9-4) by its first committee, the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. This bill requires that local law enforcement agencies enforce federal immigration policy. Ingrid Delgado, FCCB associate for social concerns/respect life, expressed the FCCB's opposition during the committee hearing.

A great deal of public testimony was provided in opposition to both bills during their committee hearings.