TAMPA, Fla. — Several laws will be going into effect this weekend, including Florida’s new immigration law, which has caused some concern for some groups. On Thursday, the Polk County community came together to talk about the issue in a town hall forum.

Politics has always been a topic Alberto Rodriguez has been passionate about.

It’s one reason he started his own non-profit, “Swan Forums.”

“This organization is just my way of trying to get everyone on board to be more critical thinkers and to be okay with being exposed to ideas that they may disagree with,” Rodriguez said.

A lot of those ideas revolve around politics. He spoke about some of the issues regarding the recent immigration bill signed back in May, at this town hall held by the Puerto Rican/ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Issues that for him as a political activist are concerning.

“We’re already seeing that impact today, we’re seeing people not wanting to come to the state of Florida, we’re seeing individuals who are migrants not wanting to work at the state of Florida,” he said.

As someone who strives to make sure everyone’s voice is heard thorough his non-profit, he feels this bill along with others are silencing important communities.

This bill is one of the strongest anti-immigration bills signed in the state of Florida, requiring businesses with over 25 employees to use the e-verify system and requires hospitals who take medicaid to ask about a person’s legal status, to name a few.

However, others like Hunter Branstner have a different opinion on this bill.

“Diversity does help our state and our country become better. That being said, it’s about who wants to be here correctly.”

Branstner has been involved in politics since he was 5 years old. That passion is what lead him and a group of friends to bring back the Polk County Young Republicans group.

The group has allowed them to speak about issues in the state and, most importantly, this immigration law.

“Strong borders are where good ideas begin and bad ideas stop and you can’t have that if you don’t follow the rule of law,“ he said.

Branstner says as an immigrant himself he knows the important of ensuring a diverse but also safe environment for everyone.

Senator Blaise Ingoglia is the sponsor of this senate bill 1718, which was signed into law by the governor on May 10th. The law goes into effect this Saturday.