WASHINGTON (FNN) — Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House on Thursday, calling the gesture a tribute to what she described as his historic support for Venezuelan freedom and democratic transition. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has reiterated that the Nobel Peace Prize cannot be transferred or shared once awarded.

Medal Presentation at the White House
Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate recognized for her longstanding campaign for democracy in Venezuela, placed her Nobel medal in a framed display and offered it to Trump as a “personal symbol of gratitude” for what she described as his decisive actions in opposing the regime of Nicolás Maduro. After the meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social thanking Machado for the gesture and calling it a “wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”

Nobel Committee Clarifies Rules
The Nobel Prize Committee quickly emphasized that while an individual can give away the physical medal, the official title of Nobel Peace Prize laureate remains with Machado and cannot be shared, revoked, or transferred under Nobel rules. The committee’s statutes affirm that once a prize is announced, the decision is final and irreversible.

Political Implications and Reactions
The meeting also included Machado’s discussions with U.S. lawmakers at the Capitol, where she reiterated her calls for continued support for Venezuelan democratic institutions. The symbolic presentation comes amid ongoing debate over U.S. policy in Venezuela following Maduro’s capture and uncertainty about the nation’s political future. Critics and observers noted that Machado’s gesture underscores her bid for broader backing from Washington even as Trump has signaled support for interim leaders in Venezuela.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Rep. Berny Jacques has filed legislation aimed at curbing illegal immigration in Florida by restricting access to financial services, housing assistance, and employment for unauthorized immigrants, while imposing stricter penalties on employers.

The proposal, HB 1307, seeks to eliminate what Jacques describes as incentives for illegal immigration and expand accountability for individuals and businesses that employ unauthorized workers.

Restrictions on Financial and Housing Access
HB 1307 would prohibit the Florida Department of Financial Services from issuing licenses to unauthorized immigrants. The bill also bars unauthorized immigrants from obtaining loans, homeownership assistance, or opening bank accounts in Florida.

In addition, the legislation would ban unauthorized immigrants from sending remittances from within the state, further limiting access to financial systems.

Expanded Employer Liability and Penalties
The bill establishes new penalties for employers who knowingly employ unauthorized immigrants. Employers would be held personally and fully liable for injuries sustained by unlawfully employed workers and could be required to reimburse public funds.

Under HB 1307, penalties escalate with repeated violations. A first violation would result in a one-year suspension of all business licenses and a $10,000 fine per violation. A second violation would lead to a five-year license suspension and fines of up to $100,000 per violation. A third violation would result in permanent revocation of licenses and fines of up to $250,000 per violation.

Employers found to employ 50 or more unauthorized immigrants would commit a third-degree felony and face permanent license revocation. The bill also requires employers to verify worker eligibility through the federal E-Verify system before submitting workers’ compensation claims.

Civil Liability and Auto Insurance Provisions
HB 1307 authorizes a civil cause of action against employers if an unauthorized employee causes injury or death to another person. The bill also includes provisions related to auto insurance claims, stating that unauthorized immigrants involved in motor vehicle accidents would be presumed at fault unless clear and convincing evidence demonstrates otherwise.

“We must remove the magnets for illegal migration and hold those who provide those magnets accountable,” Jacques said, urging lawmakers to support the proposal.

The bill will be considered during the upcoming legislative session.