Immigration continues to be a topic of debate, especially for presidential candidates – an issue that pundits say has been used as a political football for years. Despite that, Immigration reform remains elusive, as presidents come and go. Florida Republicans will take their shot at the hot button issue.

In the state of Florida, which has long had a concern with illegal immigration, Republican State representative Gayle Harrell (Port St. Lucie) along with a number of other representatives will host a press conference under the theme “Illegal Immigration: What Florida Can Do” in an effort to bring attention to the subject.

By the very nature of Florida as an agricultural state, it is believed to attract a large number of illegal immigrants, which means tackling this problem will not be an easy task. But despite that Harrell is opening the discussion on “Florida’s role in changing laws that would discourage illegal immigration and, more importantly, punish illegal behavior.”

This topic will no doubt be a wedge issue in light of this being an election year and might very well spill over into the national election with Florida being a swing state. It will also affect the large and diverse population of Florida which comprises many hard working illegal immigrants from the Caribbean and South and Central America.

While some are attempting to find a comprehensive immigration reform plan, which will give illegal immigrants a path to citizenship, Representative Harrell is in opposition.

According to Harrell, "The federal government has failed to address our concerns so now it falls to us. It is our duty and responsibility to defend our borders and protect the hard working American families who play by the rules and pay their taxes. Billions of tax dollars are being wasted on providing illegal aliens services and, as representatives we should be doing everything within our power to reverse that trend."

Already, thousands of illegal immigrants are living in fear and amidst occasional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, such a position on immigration may send illegal immigrants further into hiding.

Representatives Harrell, Will Snyder, Don Brown, Dick Kravitz, Sandy Adams and Trudi Williams will speak to the press on February 5.