Florida’s Immigration Laws on Immigration Status

Immigration

Immigration is big news currently and it is important to be aware of the relationship and tensions between state and federal law when it comes to immigration.

Immigration is the international movement of people into a destination country of which they are not natives or where they do not possess citizenship in order to settle or reside there, especially as permanent residents or naturalized citizens, or to take up employment as a migrant worker or temporarily as a foreign worker.

Immigration and Florida Law

Anyone arrested will have their fingerprints run through a database to check their immigration status under a federal program known as ‘Secure Communities’.

• Employment - Under federal law, employers must verify a prospective employees immigration status to ensure they have authorization to work in this country and meet the requirements for Form I-9.
• Florida E-Verify Requirements - Government employers must use E-Verify to verify prospective employee’s legal work status. At this juncture, private employers are not required to use E-Verify.
• Driver’s License Requirements - Florida requires a number of documents proving identity when individuals apply for a driver’s license.

Immigrants must provide one certified or original copy of the following documents:

• • Valid Alien Registration receipt card, (Green Card, Form I-551)
  • I-551 stamp in passport or on I-94
  • Immigration Judges Order with the customer's A-number granting asylum
  • I-797 with the customer's A-number, stating the customer has been granted asylum
  • I-797 or another form from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services with the customer's A-number, stating the customer's application for Refugee status is approved.
• Public Benefits - Illegal immigrants are prohibited from receiving public benefits under federal law. However, they are allowed to receive emergency services, health care, and programs necessary to protect life and safety.
• Education - Children of undocumented aliens are not allowed to pay in-state tuition rates in Florida.
• Voter ID’s - Voters who do present a photo ID in Florida, are allowed to cast a provisional ballot which authorities will confirm whether the voter was entitled to vote.

In addition to ‘Secure Communities’, the 287g program exists in three Florida counties; Collier, Duvall, and Bay. Police officers are deputized to act as ICE agents. As ICE agents they can enforce immigration authority on the streets and in jails. Any person who is arrested and driving without a valid driver’s license can be questioned by these ICE agents wanting to learn their immigration status.

Ronald Chapman

Learn and know your rights by speaking with an immigration lawyer today. Florida is a sunny and fun state, but has tough immigration laws. Ronald Chapman can help you with any immigration legal concerns you may have.

Immigration Attorney West Palm Beach

Ronald Chapman practices criminal defense in both State and Federal Courts within the State of Florida. Since 1990, Mr. Chapman has been representing people accused of committing various types of crimes. If you are facing criminal charges in Florida, Ronald Chapman can help.

Schedule your FREE Consultation! Call (561) 832-4348 or visit his website.

Visit us at https://www.justiceflorida.com/ You can also connect with the West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Office online today! Ronald Chapman, an experienced criminal defense lawyer, dedicated to defending your rights. Contact him today to begin to discuss your case.

Ronald S. Chapman, P.A.
400 Clematis Street, Suite 206
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-832-4348

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