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America has consistently moved toward greater inclusivity and equality for people of all backgrounds and ethnicities, but unfortunately, Florida seems to be moving in the opposite direction regarding our immigrant neighbors. We need to reverse this trend through inclusive immigration reform that acknowledges the positive impact of immigrants on our state.

At the start of this legislative session, Gov. Ron DeSantis made immigration a top priority as he focused on expanding his controversial migrant relocation program. Masked by a promise of increased opportunity for these foreign-born residents, Florida lawmakers supported this expansion.

DeSantis signed the expanded version of the program, titled the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program, into law during a special session. His plan also altered the scope of the bill to include the entire United States, not just Florida.

Unfortunately, this dehumanizing and disruptive policy snowballed into something difficult to control. DeSantis championed new initiatives to eradicate immigrants from Florida by stripping them of any opportunity to work or learn in our state, and some of these initiatives have passed with Senate Bill 1718.

This issue is close to my heart as a Christian leader because of what the Bible clearly teaches. In Romans 12:13, the Apostle Paul writes: When Gods people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Christians cannot read this passage and approve of how our state intends to treat immigrants. I call on Florida Christians to stand against these policies for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who cannot fight for themselves.

Our lawmakers should not let political antics get in the way of doing right by individuals who come to our great state for refuge and to create better lives for themselves and their families.

Floridians have cultivated and experienced a mutually beneficial relationship with immigrants for decades. Theover 4.5 millionimmigrant residents in the Sunshine State found our state a haven and land of opportunity while providing Florida with immense economic growth through their tax contributions and general consumerism. It has always been in our best interest and the right thing to do to allow immigrants to stay and make Florida a better place.

Instead, the governors office has pursued new initiatives that will harm Florida immigrants and every Florida resident. The proposed migrant flights use our tax dollars in an unnecessary scheme to remove individuals that have come to our state to invest in our communities. This program will misuse millions of dollars to knock on immigrants doors and fund their trips across the country instead of investing in necessary improvements to our state.

DeSantis embarked on a mission to make immigrants the enemy in our state by ignoring the positive impact they have on our economy and culture. As a reminder to the governor, Floridas economy is unsustainable without the contributions of our undocumented immigrants. Undocumented immigrants in Florida pay over $1.6 billion in taxes and hold $14.4 billion in spending power, according to the American Immigration Council. If we force almost a million undocumented immigrants to leave our state, it will inflict irreversible damage to our communities and economy.

I was glad to see some anti-immigrant legislation reined in during the 2023 state legislative session, but we need to start welcoming immigrants, not restricting them. I hope our state legislators take a more positive approach to immigration reform in the future. When Florida immigrants succeed, we all succeed.

The Rev. Yves Geffrard is pastor of Notre Dame Catholic Church in Fort Pierce.

Read more here:
On immigration reform, we must practice what we preach | Opinion - South Florida Sun Sentinel