Guatemalan-Maya Center helping immigrants fleeing Florida

Some people are preparing to move out of state



The Guatemalan-Maya Center said there's been a surge of people needing help, including relocation, because they are fearful of the state's new immigration legislation, SB1718, which take effect July 1.

By: Joel Lopez
Posted at 11:42 PM, Jun 05, 2023 and last updated 2:39 AM, Jun 06, 2023

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — The Guatemalan-Maya Center said there's been a surge of people needing help, including relocation, because they are fearful of the state's new immigration legislation, SB1718, which takes effect July 1.

"I have a fear of what could happen to me, my family," construction worker Ernesto Juan-Ramirez from Guatemala said. "I could go to another state, and I could have another opportunity instead of staying here and risking it all."

Ramirez said he doesn't have papers to work, but said he has sacrificed too much to be in this country to leave.
. . .

Migrants, advocates say new Florida law will greatly hurt labor market

The GMC usually serves 1,000 families a month but because of the legislation the need has become 1,300 plus.

"Right now, it's all over the place," Danna Torres with the GMC said. "They're just going wherever they may have family, wherever they feel that they can reach, how much gas do we have in the tank, how far can we go.

More:
https://www.wptv.com/news/palm-beach-county/guatemalan-maya-center-helping-immigrants-fleeing-florida