Florida: A New Home for Immigrants Amid Rising Challenges

Mon Oct 20 2025 09:11:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A deep look into the lives of recent immigrants in Florida, highlighting their struggles, contributions, and the changing landscapes of communities as they seek a better future.

In the face of booming immigration, Florida has become a beacon for newcomers like Paola Freites and her family, who fled violence in Colombia. As they settle in places like Apopka, the state has seen a significant influx of immigrants, reshaping communities and labor markets amid new legal challenges. This article explores the hardships and hopes of these families as they adapt to life in a vibrant, yet complex state.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — After Paola Freites immigrated to the U.S. in 2024, she and her husband chose Florida for its warm weather, strong Latino community, and job opportunities.

Freites is part of the vast wave of immigrants that have moved to Florida, particularly under the Biden administration, as they flee violence and seek better lives.

According to internal government data, no state has witnessed an influx like Florida, which saw an influx of 1,271 migrants for every 100,000 residents from May 2023 to January 2025. Miami alone experienced 2,191 new arrivals per 100,000 residents, placing it as the most affected metro area in the U.S.

Fleeing violence in Colombia, Freites and her family moved to Apopka, where they found accessible housing compared to Miami. They quickly assimilated into a community rich in Latino culture, driven to find employment and settle permanently.

Post-Pandemic Migration Trends

The data compiled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection marks a significant transition in U.S. migration patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic, showing a surge in migrants seeking humanitarian assistance and employment opportunities.

Freites, who has endured unimaginable trauma, now works as a housekeeper in Orlando while her husband manages a plant nursery. “We are good people,” she states, highlighting their desire to contribute to their new home rather than depend on aid.

Assimilation in a Growing Immigrant Community

Historically characterized by a Central American demographic, Orlando has seen an uptick in Venezuelan immigrants, welcomed by temporary legal pathways created by the Biden administration. As families settle, the community diversifies with various ethnic establishments and services catering to newcomers, enhancing the local economy.

Immigrants now dominate the workforce in several sectors, from agriculture to hospitality, leading to a growth in Florida's economy and cultural diversity.

Challenges Ahead

However, with changing political climates and crackdowns on illegal immigration, fear permeates through many families. Nueva laws in Florida create uncertainty for immigrants like Blanca, who are fearful of requesting work permits due to the risk of deportation.

As tensions rise surrounding immigration policies, Florida's new arrivals strive for stability and security, striving to fulfill their American dreams amidst challenges.

Despite their fears, Freites, Blanca, and many others remain hopeful for a brighter future, reflecting the resilience found in the immigrant spirit that continues to shape Florida.