Scott Bettridge was quoted in a BISNOW article discussing the impact of recent immigration policy rollbacks on South Florida’s immigrant workforce and local businesses, particularly in the construction sector, highlighting the legal challenges and warnings.

In Doral, Florida, local businesses are feeling the effects of immigration policy rollbacks that have left hundreds of thousands of immigrants without legal work status. Many immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are now fearful of deportation, causing quieter streets and job sites, especially in South Florida’s construction industry, where immigrants make up over 25% of the workforce.

Employers face tough choices due to laws like Florida’s SB 1718, which requires E-Verify and imposes penalties for hiring unauthorized workers. Scott warned, “They should just be prepared... just trying to ensure that their workforce is as legal and lawful as possible, because raids and visits are coming.” He added, “This could just be the tip of the iceberg. They could revoke other programs.”

Despite the growing impacts and ICE raids, many local companies remain silent, warning that these changes could have lasting negative effects on Miami’s economy and workforce.

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