So it's a core part of our society to be a welcoming place for all people. As a matter of fact, the most common example I like to share is our former senator, Mel Martinez, who came to the United States as a refugee as a kid without his parents, running away from Cuba. SOUSA-LAZABALLET: Well, first of all, it's important to remind ourselves that refugees have been building Florida for many years.
What do you think about your governor, Ron DeSantis, flying these asylum-seekers to Martha's Vineyard? RASCOE: So Florida is known for taking in refugees from repressive regimes, from Cuba and, you know, other places. Thank you so much for being with us.įELIPE SOUSA-LAZABALLET: Thank you for having me. Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is the executive director of the Hope Community Center near Orlando.
Let's turn now to someone who has been working directly with Venezuelan asylum-seekers in Florida.