Federal court blocks part of Florida law that prevents immigrants from registering voters

• Federal court blocks part of Florida SB 7050.
• The ACLU declares victory.
• The law made it illegal for immigrants to register new voters.

A federal court blocked a provision of Florida SB 7050 that prohibited immigrants with community organization from registering voters.

Federal Judge Mark Walker ruled that this requirement is illegal discrimination that violates the right to equal protection under the law.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) represented the plaintiffs, including pro-immigrant organizations.

Before you continue reading, we invite you to listen to the new Tu Mundo Hoy podcast by clicking HERE.

Click on the photo to listen to the podcast

Federal court blocks Florida SB 7050

A federal court this Thursday blocked a provision of a 2023 Florida law.

SB 7050 prevented «non-citizen» members of civil organizations from registering voters, under penalty of fines.

Federal Judge Mark Walker ruled that the citizenship requirement is «unlawful discrimination in violation of the plaintiffs’ right to equal protection under law.»

This is according to a statement from the ACLU, which represented the plaintiffs.

What organizations were fighting the law?

BREAKING: A federal court today permanently blocked a provision of Florida law SB 7050 that undermines community-based organizations performing voter registration and civic engagement.

This is a victory for democracy in Florida.https://t.co/ObqR0Fg32w

— ACLU of Florida (@ACLUFL) May 15, 2024

The pro-immigrant organizations Hispanic Federation and Poder Latinx, among others, filed a lawsuit last year against the «unconstitutional» provision of Florida SB 7050.

The law imposed a fine of $50,000 for each non-citizen who «collects» or «handles» voter registration forms on their behalf.

«The restrictions included lawful permanent residents…» the press release stated.

«…many of whom have long-time, close ties to the communities in which they reside.»

Civil rights groups say the Florida law is discriminatory

Our team and partners were in federal court in Tallahassee this week fighting back against SB 7050, a law making it difficult for Floridians to register to vote. Let Florida vote! pic.twitter.com/Jv2fxTZPCK

— ACLU of Florida (@ACLUFL) April 5, 2024

«[T]he noncitizen provision in SB 7050 is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and goes against the very fabric of U.S. democracy,» Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of Hispanic Federation stated.

He applauded the court’s decision.

It is also important to note that this decision not only has legal implications, but also political and social ones.

It also highlights the importance of protecting the rights of all residents, especially those who may be disadvantaged due to their immigration status.