DeSantis supports Florida immigration crackdown for 2024 launch.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is supporting a bill that would impose some of the strictest restrictions in the US to counter illegal immigration into the state. The legislation would make it a felony to shelter, hire or transport illegal immigrants, require hospitals to ask patients their immigration status, and prevent illegal immigrants from being admitted to the state bar. The bill is expected to pass the Florida Legislature, where Republicans control both chambers, and be signed into law by DeSantis before his anticipated 2024 White House campaign. Florida is estimated to be home to nearly 800,000 illegal immigrants, and healthcare for the undocumented population cost the state roughly $313 million in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.