According to a recent report by The Daily Wire, ongoing issues related to an influx of Haitian migrants could turn several small Alabama towns into the next Springfield, Ohio.
Springfield became national news after over 20,000 Haitian migrants reportedly moved in over a few years, putting a strain on local resources and abruptly altering the culture of the community.
The same thing could happen in Alabama, or perhaps already has, writes The Daily Wire, in places like Athens, Albertville and Enterprise. As 1819 News has previously reported, these cities have been facing critical issues due to a sudden rise in immigration.
The Daily Wire interviewed several residents in Athens, including recent Haitian migrants, who were unhappy with the situation in their town. Residents Jarrod and Amanda Schulte told the outlet that many migrants were living in dilapidated houses with high rents and that city leadership was less than forthcoming with answers or assistance.
"What we found was not very pretty," Jarrod Schulte said. "The city of Athens, our politicians, they all need to do better."
The Daily Wire reported that Pierre-Marc, a 44-year-old Haitian migrant in Athens, lives with four others in a small house with no furniture and a sink for doing laundry. The monthly rent for the 1,216-square-foot house is $2,000, paid to Athens City Councilman Christ Seibert. Seibert, who owns over 85 rental properties, has come under fire from residents suspicious of his business dealings related to the migrant influx.
The Schultes called for Seibert's resignation at a recent council meeting, as did a petition circulating online.
Seibert told The Daily Wire that rent was based on the market value and recent renovations made to the houses. He denied receiving any federal funds for housing migrants or discriminating in any way based on nationality. However, several residents told The Daily Wire they paid far less than the migrants, who had monthly rents of at least $800.
The cities of Albertville and Enterprise have faced similar issues with housing migrants and handling residents' concerns.
"I would like to say that we are sympathetic to the men, women and children who leave their country to focus on building a better life, especially amidst economic hardship, political instability, social unrest, war, and natural disasters. We are aware that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' program allows refugees from Haiti to be placed in our community. It is unfortunate that we as a city were given no advanced notice nor additional resources to accommodate this influx," Enterprise Mayor William Cooper said in September.
Albertville released a similar statement after white charter buses were seen dropping off Haitian workers throughout downtown, which 1819 News first reported in August. Many of those migrants were reportedly in the United States legally through a Biden administration work program, working at a Pilgrim's Pride plant in Russellville.
State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) said the local school system was overflowing due to immigration. He and Superintendent Bart Reeves said Albertville City Schools desperately needed more translators due to the number of non-English-speaking students.
These cities have attempted to address residents' concerns with immigration, but there is little to be done while the Biden administration remains lax in enforcing federal laws.
To connect with the story's author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com or find him on X and Facebook.
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