ORLANDO, Fla. — In 2024, Paola Freites, along with her husband and three children, found their way to the U.S., drawn to Florida’s warm climate and vibrant Latino communities. Their journey reflects a larger trend, as immigration surged significantly during the latter years of the Biden administration.
Florida stands out as a primary destination for many immigrants, welcoming 1,271 migrants per 100,000 residents from May 2023 to January 2025. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection highlights Miami as the metropolitan area most affected, with Orlando also witnessing a notable influx.
Freites and her family escaped violence in Colombia, seeking asylum in the U.S. and settling in Apopka, where they found affordable housing and community support. We felt good and welcomed, Freites shared, emphasizing the comfort of being in a place where Spanish is commonly spoken.
Changing Migration Patterns
The recent spike in immigration can partly be attributed to the post-pandemic landscape and new legal pathways established during the Biden administration. Since 2022, the arrival of Venezuelans, Haitians, and Cubans has shifted the demographics of the immigrant population in Central Florida, fostering community ties and cultural exchanges.
Organizations supporting immigrants have expanded, seeing significant increases in those seeking assistance. For instance, the Orlando Center for Justice reported a growth from serving 40 individuals in 2022 to over 524 in 2024. Additionally, Floridians and new arrivals alike recognized the economic vitality immigrants bring to the state, with their contributions to the GDP climbing from 24.3% to 25.5% over four years.
A Continuation of Fears and Challenges
However, the political landscape continues to instill apprehension among immigrant communities. Under the Trump administration, heightened scrutiny resulted in anxiety over enforcement and deportations, further complicating lives for many like Blanca, a recent migrant from Mexico. Living under the threat of deportation has made it difficult for parents to navigate daily life, often accompanied by the stress of monitoring their status.
As new policies unfold, the immigrant tapestry of Florida remains resilient. Individuals like Freites highlight both the struggle and the contributions of immigrants in a state that continues to evolve amid uncertainty.
