A year after Florida passed a strict immigration law, businesses in the state are struggling to find workers. The Federal government estimates that nationwide, over 40% of farmworkers are undocumented.
Florida’s new law, SB1718, created a climate of fear that drove many immigrants to leave the state. This worker shortage has had a negative impact on the economy, with some businesses being forced to raise prices or cut back on services. Farmers, for example, are having trouble finding workers to pick their crops, which has led to an increase in the cost of produce.
The Florida Policy Institute estimates this immigration law could cost the state’s economy $12.6 billion in its first year. That’s not counting the loss of tax revenue.
According to a report by NPR, David Crowther, owner of CFS Roofing Services in Fort Myers, who lost about 10% of his workforce due to the new law, if he could hire more immigrant labor, it would ultimately trickle down into more jobs for American workers.
“If I knew I could get an unlimited supply of labor, I then would start hiring estimators and salesmen over to start promoting more work. It’s a domino effect.”
Crowther and other members of the National Roofers Association say the immigration system is broken, and they are petitioning for an expansion of the H2B program, which provides temporary non-agricultural visas.
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An immigration attorney can help you understand your rights and options. They can represent you in court, negotiate with immigration officials and help you apply for relief from deportation. They can also help you understand complex immigration laws and procedures while ensuring your case is handled correctly.
A skilled deportation defense lawyer can help you resolve the threat of deportation and find ways to remain in the United States legally. Get started on your defense today. Call Godoy Law Office at 630-912-0322 to schedule a consultation with one of the experienced immigration attorneys today.
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
