Orlando’s immigrants face uncertainty as mass deportations loom under new policies
Orlando: A young woman shared her story about moving to Central Florida at just 11 years old. Now, at 19, she’s waiting to see if she can stay in the U.S. or be sent back to Venezuela, where things are really tough.
She spoke at a community meeting focused on the risks of deportation under the incoming Trump administration. For years, many like her have been allowed to stay while their asylum cases are sorted out. But with over a million cases pending, the wait can be long. This woman has been waiting for six years.
She expressed how stressful it is, saying she can’t leave the country or she might not be able to return. Plus, her family back in Venezuela needs help, especially now. It’s a constant worry for her, not knowing if she has a secure future here.
Groups like the Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka are stepping up to help, but there’s still a lot of uncertainty. Trump has promised to start mass deportations quickly, and Florida’s Governor DeSantis is on board, calling for a special session to change immigration policies. But the details on who will be deported and how are still unclear.
Florida has around 1.2 million undocumented workers and 400,000 pending asylum cases, with many coming from Cuba. Legal residents might also need to prove their immigration status more often, as a significant portion of Floridians were born abroad.
The meeting in Apopka drew about 60 people, all concerned about their status. Hope Community Center’s director is working on training sessions to prepare immigrants for possible deportation under Trump’s second term.
During the meeting, they advised attendees to gather important documents, set up a power of attorney for their kids, and memorize emergency contacts. They also warned not to open the door to ICE agents without a warrant.
Marisela Zamora, the center’s citizenship program manager, emphasized the need to be ready for the worst. The community is scared, and they need plans in place for what to do if someone gets picked up.
Other organizations are echoing this message. The Orlando Center for Justice is starting workshops to help immigrants navigate the legal system, especially after recent laws aimed at tightening immigration control.
Florida has a large number of immigrants from Cuba and Mexico, with many Venezuelans also seeking refuge from the crisis back home. The 19-year-old woman at the meeting is legally in the U.S. while waiting for her asylum case to be heard, which complicates any deportation plans.
She’s currently working part-time in social services, helping others access resources. If she can stay, she hopes to go to college. Living with her family in Orange County, she misses her relatives in Venezuela and dreams of visiting them one day.
“Until I get my hearing, I’m stuck in limbo,” she said. “I’d love to visit my family, but I wouldn’t want to live there again.”
