Share this @internewscast.com

A federal judge handed Latino and civil rights groups a victory when he struck down a provision in a Florida state law that would have barred noncitizens from registering voters in time for the 2024 election.

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker determined Friday that a provision in Florida’s SB 7050 assessing a $50,000 fine for each noncitizen found to be “collecting or handling voter registration applications” violates constitutional equal protection rights. The ban covered people with legal permanent residency or green cards.

An estimated 1.3 million lawful permanent residents live in Florida, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Many of them often engage in civic activities such as help with voter registration or supporting campaigns as part of their journeys to become U.S. citizens or to learn about U.S. government.

An emergency injunction issued last year had blocked Florida from enforcing the state law, allowing organizations to retain field staff members who were noncitizens.

The injunction was an important win at the time considering that Latinos and communities of color in general are more likely to register to vote through nonpartisan groups than their white counterparts.

Voter registrations through third-party groups have been dropping since 2021 as Florida has been enacting voter restriction laws, according to the Hispanic Federation, a national Latino advocacy organization.

Walker’s decision Friday stems from a federal lawsuit filed last year by the Hispanic Federation and Poder Latinx, a progressive group aimed at registering and turning out Latino voters, along with three noncitizen plaintiffs.

They were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and four other legal organizations.

Frankie Miranda, the president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation, and Yadira Sánchez, the executive director of Poder Latinx, celebrated the judge’s decision in a joint statement Friday.

“This victory continues to allow legal residents and others who have called Florida home for decades to continue helping their U.S. citizen family, neighbors, and friends register to vote,” Miranda said.

Sánchez said, “We will continue to play a pivotal role in our communities, especially in mobilizing individuals to actively participate in our civic duties, thereby contributing significantly to our collective progress.”

In general, lawful permanent residents must wait five years before they are eligible to become U.S. citizens.

Following the judge’s decision Friday, the Florida secretary of state’s office will not be able to enforce provisions in state law barring noncitizens from participating in voter registration efforts.

Mark Ard, a spokesperson for the secretary of state’s office, did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Judge approves athlete payment plan in landmark college sports decision

Court Endorses Payment Plan for College Athletes in Groundbreaking Ruling

The agreement signifies a major transformation for schools, which now have to…
Harvard news: Judge puts temporary hold on President Donald Trump's latest ban on university's foreign students

Harvard News: Court Temporarily Blocks President Trump’s Recent Ban on Foreign Students

A federal judge has put a temporary halt to a proclamation by…
Democratic states double down on laws resisting Trump's immigration crackdown

Democratic States Intensify Opposition to Trump’s Immigration Policies with New Laws

As President Donald Trump’s administration goes after states and local governments that…
Why were Bert and Ernie mentioned in Diddy trial?

What’s the connection between Bert and Ernie and the Diddy trial?

Editor’s Note: This article includes sensitive topics involving rape or sexual assault…
Police officers at a crime scene.

30-Year-Old Woman Fatally Shot by Police After Allegedly Stabbing Two People at Oktoberfest Venue

A 30-YEAR-OLD woman has been shot dead by armed cops after attacking…
Alabama kindergarten teacher, 49, accused of enticing teen into bathroom for sexual encounter

49-Year-Old Alabama Kindergarten Teacher Allegedly Lures Teen into Restroom for Sexual Act

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An Alabama kindergarten “Teacher…
Security officer at Donaldson Correctional Facility arrested

Officer at Donaldson Prison Detained

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — On Thursday, a security guard at the…
Person holding a carton of eggs in a supermarket.

Recalled ‘Contaminated’ Eggs from Walmart & Safeway Following ‘Multistate Infection Outbreak’ – Full List of Affected States Available

SHOPPERS have been issued a major health warning as millions of eggs…
President Trump banned travel from 12 countries, but included some exceptions to avoid legal battles

Trump Implements Travel Ban on 12 Nations, Includes Exceptions to Prevent Legal Issues

MIAMI — The recent travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries and…
Third teen death in national forest raises alarm as two high schoolers found shot during camping trip

Third Teenager’s Death in National Forest Sparks Concern After Discovery of Two High School Students Shot on Camping Trip

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! High school students Pandora…
NY searched 'Free Palestine' online more than any other state: study

Study Finds New York Leads in ‘Free Palestine’ Online Searches Among States

New Yorkers scoured the web for information on Palestine-related phrases more than…
Reckoning: Lisa Murkowski Censured Again by Alaska Republicans

Alaska Republicans Censure Lisa Murkowski Once More

As RedState’s leading (and only) correspondent from Alaska, I feel a bit…