Why Florida's Immigration Policy May Be Bad For Trade

Florida's new immigration policy which took effect July 1, 2023, is already being challenged in the courts. It may prove to be not only bad law but may also be bad for trade.

Immigrants are vital to the US Economy. They make up about 16.7% of the working population and create 25% of new businesses. Only 25% of the total number of US immigrants are undocumented (approx. 10.5 million people). In Florida, undocumented immigrants comprised 18% of the immigrant population and four percent of the total state population in 2016. While only a fraction of the state's population is directly affected, Florida's new immigration policy may be bad for trade.

The free movement of people can be considered not only a basic human right but an important benefit for trade and the global economy. Free movement of people means a mobile labor force, entrepreneurship, and new ideas to meet the needs of growing economies. Domestic concerns make it important to get the right mix of trade