ORLANDO, Fla. — The Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration has left some in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community reconsidering their life in America.

What You Need To Know

  • The Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration has left some in the community reconsidering their life in America

  • After coming to America from Japan, Natsumi Panelli decided to work as an advocate for other migrants

  • Panelli eventually met her husband, who’s from the U.S., and about a year ago they welcomed a daughter into their life

  • Panelli says she doesn't feel welcome in the U.S. anymore, and moved back to Japan in May with her family

Natsumi Panelli left Japan twelve years ago and came to America for a better life.

“I felt like I couldn’t express myself freely,” said Panelli. “The biggest thing about America is freedom of speech, right? And that’s what originally attracted me to come here.”

While studying for her master’s degree, she had a student visa. With her immigration status in check, she decided to work as an advocate for other migrants. As a digital strategist with Florida Immigration Coalition, she developed “Know Your Rights” information for migrants new to the U.S..

“No matter where you are from - American citizens or immigrants – they have constitutional rights,” said Panelli. “And unfortunately they are under attack.” 

Panelli eventually met her husband, who’s from the U.S., and about a year ago, they welcomed a daughter into their life. Lately, she’s become more and more worried.

“I never thought I would feel unsafe for advocating for what I think is right,” said Panelli.

She no longer feels welcome in the U.S..

“I feel like I’m not safe - I might be under the radar of the government, the administration,” said Panelli. “I have legal status, but I’m someone who has been advocating for something the government doesn’t like.”

Panelli had hoped to raise her daughter Coco in Central Florida, a place she fell in love with when she visited as a child.

“We came to Disney World here when I was three or four,” said Panelli.

Earlier this year, Panelli decided to move back to Japan.

“I’m going to miss my friends - I spent my 20s here,” said Panelli. 

Her husband and daughter will be going to Japan with her. She says her family won’t even consider coming back while the current Trump administration, and its immigration policies, are in place.

“I’m thinking we’ll be way from here for the next four years minimum,” said Panelli. “Ideally, I want to raise Coco in Japan, at least through elementary school.”

She says she’ll still advocate for migrants as much as she can, but she says at some point she had to put her family, and their future, first. She says her better life is no longer here. Panelli moved back to Japan in May.

Florida Immigration Coalition is a statewide coalition of more than 80 member organizations throughout the state dedicated to helping immigrants. They hold weekly “Know Your Rights” sessions in person in Miami, and virtually for other people across the state.