Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Controversial Unauthorized Alien Transport Program Passes Despite Lawsuit Alleging Misleading of Migrants

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has been met with a lawsuit alleging that the state misled dozens of migrants into boarding private jets for Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Despite this, Florida lawmakers passed a bill on Friday that expands a program used to fly migrants to Democratic-led cities and states.

The bill formally creates the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program, building out a program enacted by DeSantis last year that enabled government officials to fly migrants to destinations in blue states that have sanctuary policies in place. The new legislation grants the state even more authority to move asylum seekers around the country with little oversight.

The move suggests that DeSantis has no intention of shying away from the contentious methods his administration has used to deal with migrants. The bill allows the state to relocate migrants from any state in the country, not just from Florida. Conservative allies have pointed to the practice as a necessary tool to draw attention to the border crisis in the U.S.

GOP state Rep. John said in a statement that the bill “will help ensure that those who are here illegally are not able to take advantage of the generous benefits that Florida taxpayers provide.” He added that the bill will also “help ensure that those who are here illegally are not able to take advantage of the generous benefits that Florida taxpayers provide.”

The bill has been met with criticism from Democrats, who argue that it is a political stunt aimed at drawing attention away from the border crisis. They have also accused the state of misleading migrants with false promises of jobs and assistance.

The bill is now awaiting DeSantis’ signature. If signed, it will go into effect July 1.