IMMIGRATION

Secure. Legal. Humane.

Frank believes in secure borders. He believes in the rule of law. And as Governor, his first responsibility will always be keeping Floridians safe. But immigration is personal to Frank too. His family came to this country for the same reason generations of families have come here – for a chance to work hard, build a life and give their children something better. That’s why Frank doesn’t believe we have to choose between enforcing the law and treating people with dignity. Protect our communities. Follow the law. Support legal immigration. Treat people like human beings. We can do all four.

Keep Floridians Safe

Frank's first responsibility as Governor is to keep Floridians safe. That means focusing law enforcement resources on the people who actually threaten our communities - violent criminals, drug traffickers, human traffickers and transnational gangs. As Governor, Frank would strengthen partnerships between Florida law enforcement and federal agencies and prioritize state resources toward removing people who commit violent crimes and pose genuine threats to public safety. Frank's position is straightforward: If you are a violent criminal, a trafficker or you're here to hurt people, we need to deal with that. There should be no question about it.

Secure the Border - And Be Honest About Who Controls It

Frank supports securing America's border. But he's also not going to pretend the Governor of Florida controls the United States border. Washington does. And Washington needs to do its job. Immigration is primarily a federal responsibility. A Florida governor cannot create citizenship, establish federal immigration status or single-handedly fix the nation's immigration system. What Florida can do is strengthen public safety partnerships, combat trafficking and exploitation, enforce the laws within its authority and make sure our state is doing its part. Frank believes leadership starts with being honest about what you can control - and then getting to work on it.

Go After the People Exploiting Workers

Frank believes accountability has to go both ways. If a business or individual knowingly exploits undocumented workers or commits immigration-related fraud, they should be held accountable too. Frank would crack down on that exploitation while strengthening employment verification requirements for state agencies and state contractors so taxpayer-funded jobs comply with federal law. If you're breaking the law to exploit vulnerable workers, you don't get a free pass either.

Respect People Who Follow the Rules

Frank believes legal immigration has helped build America. People who come here legally, work hard, follow the rules, raise families, build businesses and contribute to their communities should know that matters. Frank would expand English-language and workforce-development opportunities that help legal immigrants successfully integrate into Florida's economy. For Frank, this comes back to his own family's story. His family came to America looking for an opportunity to work hard and build something better for the next generation. That's part of Frank's story. And it's part of America's story.

Washington Needs to Fix What’s Broken

For too long, Washington has argued about immigration without fixing the system. Frank believes the federal government needs to secure the border, enforce the law and finally create a legal process that actually works. He supports calling on Congress to establish an earned federal process for long-term, law-abiding residents who meet strict legal requirements, including background checks and compliance with federal law. This isn't something Frank can create as Governor - and he won't pretend otherwise. But he can use Florida's voice to push Washington to act. Frank believes the principle should be clear: People who commit violent crimes should be removed. People who work hard, obey the law and contribute to their communities deserve a system that is fair, orderly and rooted in the rule of law.

Get the Right People at the Table

Frank doesn't believe Tallahassee has all the answers. He would establish a Governor's Immigration Advisory Council bringing together law enforcement, business leaders, agriculture, faith leaders, legal immigrants and local officials. These are people who see different sides of immigration every day. Frank wants to hear from them. What's working? What's not? What are we missing? And what can Florida actually do better? Listen first. Then lead.

Tell Frank What We Missed →

The Ellis Island Promise

Frank calls his approach The Ellis Island Promise because America should never have to choose between strength and humanity. We can secure our borders. We can enforce the law. We can protect our communities. We can support legal immigration. And we can treat people with dignity. Frank believes America has always been strongest when we combine accountability with opportunity. The Ellis Island Promise is about keeping both.

The Test Is Simple

Immigration has become one of the most divisive issues in America. Frank doesn't believe shouting louder is going to fix it. He comes back to a few basic questions: Are we keeping Floridians safe? Are we enforcing the law fairly and responsibly? Are we respecting people who follow the legal process? Are we holding criminals, traffickers and people who exploit workers accountable? And are we still treating people like human beings? Frank believes we don't have to choose between strength and humanity. We can be strong and still be decent. We can do both.

FRANK J. RUSSO

RACHEL RODRIGUEZ