By Natalia Rueda 
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ set forth an immigration and border security plan designed to appeal to his legislative agenda and garner favor ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
His speech at Eagle Pass, Texas proposed ending birthright citizenship, completing construction of the border wall, ending the “Catch and Release” program, sending U.S. forces to Mexico to combat drug cartels, and cutting the budgets of sanctuary cities, those that promise not to cooperate with immigration agencies. Though DeSantis praised Florida’s efforts to combat illegal immigration, his proposals have become part of an increasingly contentious issue as candidates from both parties voice their varying stances on the immigration debate.
Critics of DeSantis’ plans point to the lack of solutions for the root causes of migration from Mexico and other countries, as well as the potentially damaging effects that hardline solutions could have on human rights along the border.
As elections draw nearer, DeSantis’ immigration and border security proposal continues to be a focal point of his campaign and he has declared his intention to make it a priority on his first day in office, should he become president. For now, it remains to be seen if DeSantis’ hardline stance will be able to sway the electorate when it comes to voting day.