ORLANDO, Fla. — As the Florida Legislative Session nears its end on May 5, people in Central Florida are making their voices heard.

The community came out to Lake Eola in downtown Orlando on Monday to support the ‘March for Our Dreams and Freedom’ rally. People from all different walks of life came out to support those who they feel don’t have a voice. 

Meilyn Santana moved to Florida from Brazil in 2003. She’s trying to send a message to Tallahassee, while also supporting the community she lives in.

“I’ve been in the nonprofit sector because when I got here, I received so much help and support from the local community organizations. I felt like I really needed to give back,” she said.

She said some of the proposed bills, like House Bill 1617, can be detrimental to other immigrants, documented and undocumented.

In part, the bill would require healthcare professionals to ask people about their citizenship status. Santana feels that would deter undocumented immigrants from getting help.

“We’re just very concerned about what’s going to happen to our immigrant community. We’re afraid that people will literally die at home,” said Santana.

That’s why she’s not just marching. She’s also educating her community through the Hope Community Center based in Apopka.

“We provide support, we provide resources, we provide service, advocacy for immigrants and LGBTQ+ community,” said Santana. “We are that supportive network that guides them and refers them to places that support them as well.”

By advocating for immigrants, Santana said it’s not just about changing policy, but messaging surrounding immigration.

“It’s very sad to hear those things. That immigrants aren’t paying taxes, that immigrants are criminals. When the majority are here because they love it and they this home,” she said.

Santana said she’ll continue to join events like this one and speak out, hoping to make a difference.