Florida: A Growing Sanctuary for Immigrants Amidst Changing Policies

Fri Oct 03 2025 02:53:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Orlando, Florida has become a prime destination for thousands of migrants, particularly from Latin America, as immigration numbers surge under changing U.S. policies. This article explores the experiences of newcomers like Paola Freites and the impact they have on the local economy and culture.

In recent years, Florida, particularly Orlando, has seen a significant influx of immigrants, many fleeing violence and seeking better opportunities. This article highlights the experiences of families like Paola Freites', who found safety and community in Central Florida. Amidst shifting immigration policies under former President Biden and the looming figures of potential policy changes under Trump, the state has become a beacon for many from Latin America, contributing to a dynamic and growing economy. As newcomers navigate their new lives, they also face challenges related to changing immigration laws and the fear of detention.

ORLANDO, Fla. — After Paola Freites and her husband entered the U.S. in 2024, they were drawn to Florida's warm climate, vibrant Latino community, and employment opportunities. They are among many immigrants arriving in the state as immigration rates surged.

Statistics indicate Florida leads the nation in new immigrants, with Miami and Orlando being key metropolitan areas. From May 2023 to January 2025, Florida saw 1,271 new migrants per 100,000 residents, far surpassing other states like New York and California.

Freites, who fled violence in Colombia with her children, found affordable housing in Apopka, near Orlando. She praised the community for its Spanish-speaking residents and warm atmosphere, saying, ‘We felt good and welcomed.’

The Shift in Migration Patterns

Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revealed that migration patterns shifted as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Under the Biden administration, the asylum process expanded; however, the landscape may drastically change under former President Trump’s anticipated return to office.

Freites experienced severe trauma in Colombia, prompting her family's asylum request, and she now works as a housekeeper while her husband works in horticulture. They live in a two-bedroom mobile home where their children attend school.

Integration and Community Growth

In Central Florida, the immigrant demographic is evolving, now including significant numbers from Venezuela, Haiti, and Colombia. This expansion has led to an increase in businesses catering to diverse populations, with new grocery stores and restaurants opening, enriching the local culture.

Immigrants have boosted Florida's economy, with their contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rising substantially from 2019 to 2023. Many migrants have found work in construction, agriculture, and hospitality, contributing to a vibrant and industrious community as they pursue the American dream.

A Balancing Act Amid Legal Uncertainty

While Florida has become a haven of opportunity for many, rising fears of detention have surfaced post-Trump's election. Recent state laws targeting unauthorized presence threaten to create anxiety within immigrant communities as they adapt to their new lives.

Blanca, a single mother who recently crossed the border, symbolizes these new challenges. Despite fearing deportation, she continues to work under the radar to support her family, embodying the struggles faced by immigrants seeking stability in an uncertain political climate.

As debates over immigration policy continue, the dynamics within communities like Orlando highlight both the hopeful stories of newcomers and the looming fears of legal repercussions, underscoring the complexity of the immigrant experience in Florida.