Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing for new immigration laws to match Trump’s expected policies after his inauguration

DeSantis has been chatting with Trump about these policies, and he’s got the inside scoop on some of the ideas Trump’s team is cooking up. The special session is set for the week after Trump’s inauguration, giving lawmakers time to draft changes that fit with Trump’s plans.
He’s made it clear that Florida will mirror the new federal policies. Trump’s team is gearing up for a big Day One with executive orders, especially focusing on immigration, which was a huge part of his campaign.
While we don’t know all the details yet, it sounds like there will be some serious changes, including mass deportations and possibly ending birthright citizenship. DeSantis hinted that he expects Trump to expand the 287(g) program, which lets local officials handle some immigration duties.
He’s hoping to make this program mandatory in Florida, so local sheriffs and municipalities will have to get involved. The state Legislature hasn’t filed any proposals yet, but DeSantis wants them to focus on punishing local officials who don’t follow federal immigration laws and tightening up the rules to discourage undocumented immigration.
He even called out a 2014 law that gives in-state tuition to undocumented students, saying it rewards illegal presence. Some Florida Republicans have pushed back against efforts to change this, but there’s talk of new legislation to end those tuition benefits, which cost the state a pretty penny.
Florida’s Attorney General is backing DeSantis on this immigration bill, showing strong support for aligning with Trump’s priorities. DeSantis hasn’t revealed who he’ll pick to fill Marco Rubio’s Senate seat yet, but he’s looking for someone who’s tough on immigration reform.
It’s a hot topic, especially with the H-1B visa program causing some rifts among Trump supporters. Some want to keep it for the international talent it brings, while others are calling for its end. Trump himself has said he thinks the program is great, so it’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out.