Less illegal immigrants calling Florida home

West Palm Beach, Fla. - Amidst protest and controversy, illegal immigration remains in the forefront in South Florida.
 

A number of recent protests and marches, opposing Arizona's controversial law suggests local immigrants are here to stay.
 

But a recent study by the Pew Hispanic Center shows some are actually leaving.

"They decided you know what I can't do it, it’s very difficult right now, their families are in their country of origin, so they decide it’s not worth it anymore," said Jocelyn Sabbagh, with El Sol Jupiter Resource Center.
 

The report, which is based on 2009 Census data, estimates Florida's immigrant population dropped by 375,000 last year.
 

At "El Sol Resource Center" in Jupiter, the proof is in the numbers.
 

"In 2009 we would have about 130 people come in, today we have about 80 looking for work," said Sabbagh.

According to experts, a bad economy, a 10 % unemployment rate and fear of more-restrictive immigration laws are to blame.
 

"People are terrified that they'll get a knock on the door in the wee hours of the morning and be put in jail," said Cheryl Little, with the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center.
So what does this mean for Florida's farm economy, which depends on immigrant labor?
 

"We want cheap food and if don't have cheap labor, that's something we're going to have to consider," said Barbara Vilaseca, with La Caridad Center.
 

"A number of growers are very concerned because it’s going to affect us all in the pocket book because if we don't have the farm workers to do the work, we're going to be paying more for our produce," said Little.
 

It is difficult to get an exact count of the number of immigrants in South Florida, but experts say one thing is certain, as the economy worsens many more will consider going back home.