Frank Russo Unveils "Ellis Island Promise" Immigration Framework

Independent candidate calls for strong enforcement against dangerous offenders while protecting working families, Florida's workforce and the dignity of those pursuing legal status

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Frank Russo, Non-Party Affiliated candidate for Governor of Florida, today unveiled his Ellis Island Promise, an immigration framework based on a simple idea: Florida can enforce the law, protect public safety, and support its economy, without losing its humanity.

"My family came through Ellis Island believing in the American Dream," Russo said. "They came here for the same reasons families still come here today - to work hard, build a better life and give their children opportunities they never had. That means something to me."

Russo's plan focuses state law enforcement against those whose criminal conduct poses a genuine threat to public safety, while calling for practical solutions for law-abiding individuals who are working, raising families, contributing to their communities and pursuing lawful status.

"We need strong borders. We need laws, and we need to enforce them. But we also need common sense," said Russo. A violent criminal or cartel member is not the same as a father going to work every day, supporting his children and trying to do things the right way. The government should know the difference."

THE ELLIS ISLAND PROMISE

Put public safety first.
Violent criminals, traffickers, cartel participants and individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety should face the state's penal system for their violations of law, consistent with the law and due process.

Protect law-abiding working families.
People who have committed no crimes, are working, supporting their families and actively pursuing lawful status should not be treated the same as dangerous offenders.

Protect Florida's workforce and economy.
Florida depends on workers in construction, hospitality, agriculture, service industries and other critical sectors. Removing workers indiscriminately doesn't just affect those families - it affects Florida businesses, consumers and entire communities.

Fight for practical federal work authorization.
A Florida governor cannot create a federal work permit. Russo would instead use the governor's office to push Washington for lawful solutions that allow eligible, vetted individuals to continue working while their immigration cases or broader federal solutions are pending.

"We shouldn't pretend Tallahassee can do something that only Washington can do," Russo said. "But the Governor of Florida has a voice, and I intend to use it. If someone is working, supporting their family, passing a background check and trying to follow the legal process, Washington needs to give them a workable path to keep doing that."

Demand accountability.
Any pathway forward should require identity verification, appropriate background checks, compliance with the law and continued employment or other evidence of community responsibility.

Keep families together whenever the law allows.
Families should not be torn apart because the federal government takes months or years to process a case. When people are following the process and delays are outside their control, government should not punish them for the government's own failure to act.

"This really comes down to common sense," Russo said. "Go after the people who are dangerous. Protect our communities. Enforce the law. But don't make hardworking families live in fear because Washington's enforcement is inconsistent and makes costly mistakes because of artificial intelligence misidentifications or other paperwork errors."

"Strength without compassion becomes fear. Compassion without responsibility becomes disorder. Leadership requires both. I want Florida to stand for law, order, work, family and humanity."

Russo also pointed to leaders such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as examples of balancing respect for the rule of law with an understanding of the immigrant experience.

"Florida was built by people who came here looking for freedom, opportunity and a chance to work," Russo said. "We should never apologize for enforcing our laws. But we should never forget who we are as a country either. Ellis Island represented a promise that if you came here, worked hard and played by the rules, America would give you a chance. I still believe in that promise."

The Ellis Island Promise was reviewed with immigration counsel prior to its release and will continue to be refined as federal immigration policy develops.

About Frank J. Russo:
Frank J. Russo is a lifelong Floridian, entrepreneur, insurance executive, real estate developer, and humanitarian with more than 40 years of business leadership, including over 30 years in the insurance industry. Based in New Smyrna Beach, Russo is running for Governor to restore affordability, strengthen Florida's economy, and build a government focused on practical solutions that put Floridians first. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit Russo2026.com.

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SOURCE Frank J. Russo for Governor