Univision.com, News Report
According to a report published on the St. Petersburg Times’ website, the plan would make remaining illegally in Florida a criminal offense. Also, following in Arizona’s footsteps, it would include severe penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers and allow police to ask suspects for proof of legal residency.
Snyder's initiative is backed by two leading Republican candidates for governor, Rick Scott and Attorney General Bill McCollum. The St. Petersburg Times reported that similar to Arizona, most leaders in the Florida Senate and House of Representatives feel a need for a new approach in response to the federal government’s “failure” to control illegal immigration. And the feeling that this election year is the time for change is spreading: besides Florida, South Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island have all proposed anti-immigration legislation similar to Arizona’s.