As many cities continue to deal with immigration issues, Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan is asking the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice for information about migrant programs that could impact the town.
Sullivan said the city sent letters to the federal government due to concerns over Councilman Cory Martin signing a letter to President Joe Biden welcoming refugees into the city and claims that Haitian migrants could be placed in Baldwin or Mobile Counties as part of the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) program.
In the City Council meeting Monday, Sullivan said the city asked for assistance in finding answers after rumors surfaced that Haitian immigrants would be placed in Fairhope.
"While the city of Fairhope remains committed to enforcing immigration laws, far too often federal policies place an undue burden on our local resources, which are already stretched far too thin," Sullivan read. "Our country has a proud tradition of providing refuge for those fleeing oppression and seeking the American dream. However, we also have an obligation to ensure that our nation's immigration policies do not create additional strains on local governments or jeopardize the safety and well-being of our citizens."
The letter requested local input on immigration decisions.
Sullivan said city officials have met with state and federal delegations. Councilman Jay Robinson participated in a conference call and learned about issues at the federal level.
"There are some really concerning things going on, obviously, and people being allowed or brought into this country that are being designated as legal, even though they're not technically complying with the requirements that we have historically applied," he explained. "But the consensus in these multiple ways that you can bring people in under this legal status is that they're supposed to communicate these things to local government to make sure that whatever local government they are attempting to send these people to, that city or that county, has the resources to accommodate, but they're not doing those things at this point."
Fairhope Resident Lynn Ellis came forward with information about an elderly friend who lives near Fairhope, who she said is likely a victim.
"My little friend that's older than I am and shorter than I am, had somebody break into her car and sleep in it, that couldn't speak English and was part of whatever transient people are around," Ellis said. "And I'm just concerned and wanted to mention that and have that on the record that I'm here as a concerned citizen about that issue that, you know, the people that are being brought into our community that are endangering people."
While the woman likely lives in Baldwin County, Councilman Jimmy Conyers requested a city ordinance making it illegal to sleep outdoors or in vehicles be enforced. He said he's witnessed an uptick in transient individuals over the past year.
"I'm just seeing more transient individuals here and I'm not trying to tread on somebody that's having a hard time," Conyers said. "But it seems like the tendency is that folks that are in that kind of transient nature, there's typically some kind of other issue going on, whether it's mental health or some type of an addiction and I just don't know that that's what we want to see In our community."
Fairhope resident Doug Greengard requested that Councilman Martin, who was not in attendance at Monday night's meeting, issue a public apology for signing the letter on behalf of Fairhope citizens. Martin previously said he signed the letter to support women and children seeking refuge from Ukraine.
"He is showing himself to be highly irresponsible," Greengard said of Martin. "I do not believe he's qualified to be a member of this City Council."
Robinson said there is no evidence of immigrant placements in Fairhope or Baldwin County.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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