Group denounces Florida Gov. Rick Scott for ‘turning his back’ on them

Florida Governor Rick Scott gave his annual State of the State address before the start of the Florida legislative session this week, and one of the messages that the governor focused on was the opportunity for Floridians to chase their dreams — and that led the Florida Immigrant Coalition to release their response to the address.

In his address Governor Scott told the story of Gladys Rubio, a Cuban immigrant who made a new life thanks to the opportunities the state has afforded her.

SEE ALSO: Marco Rubio’s changing views on immigration

“A Cuban immigrant that came to Florida seeking a better life and is now a successful meteorologist,” said Francesca Menes, of the Florida Immigrant Coalition.

“Just like Gladys, thousands of immigrants have come to Florida chasing their dreams and willing to work hard for them if they are given an opportunity.”

The immigrant-rights group tied that part of Scott’s address to their continued effort to try and persuade the Florida legislature to help undocumented immigrants in the state, writing on their Facebook that driver’s licenses and KidCare are their priorities for the 2015 legislative session.

“For that reason, we call on the Florida legislature to pass legislation that will allow all potential drivers to apply for a driver’s license regardless of their immigration status, and for all children who are legal permanent residents to have access to health care through the KidCare program without having to wait five years uninsured and unprotected.”

Thousands in Fla. can’t apply for a driver’s license

The group points out that 730,000 undocumented Floridians cannot apply for a license because of their immigration status.

Another 20,000 children with legal status in Florida also have to wait 5 years before being covered by KidCare.

As part of their response they again brought attention to the lawsuit the state of Florida and 25 other states are involved in trying to undo President Obama’s executive actions on immigration.

“We urge Governor Scott’s administration to support these measures, instead of turning his back on immigrant families just like his own Attorney General Pam Bondi did after she added Florida to a lawsuit against DAPA and DACA. These programs would grant relief from deportation and temporary work permits to 253,000 immigrant Floridians. With this lawsuit, Bondi is breaking Scott’s promise to “keep Florida working” by denying access to temporary work permits for the workers that sustain our main economic sectors, agriculture and tourism. It is estimated that more than half of Florida’s farmworkers are undocumented.”

Another immigrant-rights group, Young American Dreams ? who is affiliated with the Florida Immigrant Coalition ? rallied on Monday for Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to drop the lawsuit.

You can read the Spanish response here.

SEE ALSO: Texas follows Florida for voter immigration purge