The never-ending, decades-long debate over immigration reform periodically throws a real scare into the voiceless community that supplies the labor for some of America’s most back-breaking work.

It’s no secret that many roofers, asphalt spreaders, tomato pickers, dish washers and the crews that mow neighborhood lawns are immigrants. Not all of them have the proper documents to work in the United States, yet native-born Americans are not exactly clamoring for those jobs.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recently signed Senate Bill 1718, making E-Verify mandatory for employers with 25 or more employees, starting July 1. It is a federal online database that instantly confirms a person’s eligibility to work in the U.S., including whether they are a citizen or have a Social Security number.

The purpose?

“To combat the dangerous effects of illegal immigration caused by the federal government’s reckless border policies,” according to a news release from the governor’s office.

The bill has created fear and panic among immigrants, and raised concerns in the wider Latino community, especially agricultural areas like Manatee and DeSoto counties.

Some have already left the state, and employers are worried.

Protesters gathered in downtown Bradenton on May 12, the day after DeSantis signed the bill, to speak out against the new immigration law.

More recently, there have been reports of workers leaving Florida because of concerns about the law.

Last week, several protests for “A Day Without Immigrants...

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