Frank Russo Unveils Ellis Island Promise Immigration Plan
News related to:Frank J. Russo for Governor · 2 min read
Frank Russo, a non-party affiliated candidate for Governor of Florida, on September 18, 2026, unveiled his immigration framework, the Ellis Island Promise, which aims to balance strong enforcement of the law with support for law-abiding working families and Florida’s economy.
Russo, a lifelong Floridian and entrepreneur, believes in the American Dream and its promise of opportunity and hard work. His family came through Ellis Island, and he sees the Ellis Island Promise as a way to uphold the same values that brought his ancestors to the United States.
The framework focuses on putting public safety first by targeting violent criminals, traffickers, and cartel participants. Russo argues that these individuals should face the state's penal system for their violations of law, consistent with the law and due process. At the same time, the plan protects law-abiding individuals who are working, raising families, and contributing to their communities while actively pursuing lawful status.
Russo emphasizes the importance of protecting Florida’s workforce and economy.
To address the federal work authorization issue, Russo plans to use the governor's office to push for practical solutions that allow eligible, vetted individuals to continue working while their immigration cases or broader federal solutions are pending.
The Ellis Island Promise also calls for accountability, requiring identity verification, appropriate background checks, and compliance with the law. Russo believes that families should not be torn apart because of delays in the federal government's processing of cases.
Russo points to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as an example of balancing respect for the rule of law with an understanding of the immigrant experience. "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. Russo, who has more than 40 years of business leadership, including over 30 years in the insurance industry, is running for Governor to restore affordability, strengthen Florida's economy, and build a government focused on practical solutions that put Floridians first.