Florida's Growing Immigrant Community: A Story of Hope and Resilience

Fri Oct 10 2025 18:39:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Florida experiences a surge in immigration, transformative stories emerge from families seeking a better life. Amidst uncertainty, new arrivals are thriving, contributing to local economies and communities.

After fleeing violence in Colombia, Paola Freites and her family found solace in Florida, joining thousands of immigrants seeking better opportunities. As they settle into their new lives, they highlight the challenges and triumphs faced by many in the wake of changing immigration policies. Florida's population is increasingly diverse, with new communities contributing significantly to the state’s economy while navigating fears stemming from potential deportation.

ORLANDO, Fla. — In a state where immigration has become a prominent and transformative force, Paola Freites and her husband arrived in Florida in 2024, escaping violence in Colombia. They were drawn to the warm climate and the vibrant Latino communities where they found job opportunities and a sense of belonging.

The influx of immigrants, particularly under the Biden administration, has been remarkable. According to government data, Florida received an astonishing 1,271 new migrants for every 100,000 residents from May 2023 to January 2025 — more than any other state.

Freites settled in Apopka, a city near Orlando, where housing options were more affordable compared to Miami, which had already seen a large inmigrant population. She advised us to come to Orlando because Spanish is spoken here and the weather is good, Freites reflected. We felt good and welcomed.

As Florida continues to absorb new arrivals, the overall immigrant population has grown, leading to expanded services and communities formed by diverse groups. The mix of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Venezuelan, and Colombian cultures is evident in local businesses, restaurants, and churches that cater to the new residents.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, migration patterns shifted significantly. The U.S. began seeing a rise in asylum seekers, some using the now-defunct CBP One App to enter the country legally. Yet, the political environment has led to increased anxiety among immigrants fearing deportation due to a crackdown on immigration policies initiated after Trump took office.

Freites, who experienced trauma in her homeland and fled with her three children, now works as a housekeeper while receiving support from local immigrant services. She emphasizes the plight of many parents seeking opportunities to provide for their families, stating, We came here looking for freedom, to work. We don’t like to be given anything for free.

Despite facing legal challenges, Freites and her family are finding ways to thrive in the United States. With the economy benefiting from their contributions, the local immigrant population now plays a crucial role in industries such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare.

As fears of detention loom over many in the immigrant community, organizations like the Hope CommUnity Center and the Orlando Center for Justice are working tirelessly to assist newcomers acclimated to their new lives. The desire for integration and the pursuit of the American dream shine through despite the challenges faced.

For families like Freites's, Florida has not only become a destination for rebuilding their lives but also a canvas of resilience, adaptability, and hope.