Rural Alabama doesn’t have the resources to support recently relocated Haitian refugees, according to State Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga).
Sylacauga residents recently witnessed an influx of Haitian immigrants being bused into their community.
Robbins said in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday, “Your failure to inform our rural community before dropping off immigrants has created panic and confusion.”
“Residents are seeking answers to basic questions, such as why did the immigrants appear in Sylacauga, Alabama, how many immigrants are here, where are the immigrants working and where are they living within the community. Due to your agency’s ineptitude to relay any information, local leaders are helpless. These inefficient policies have caused fear, which threatens the peace and tranquility of our small town,” Robbins said. “Further, rural Alabama does not have the support services nor the resources to house a wave of immigrants. We have a housing shortage. Additionally, there is no support system in our community for Haitian Creole speaking individuals including assistance in our schools for non-English speakers. As such, your organization has failed the local community and the refugees.”
Robbins continued, “I am demanding answers and direction from your agency as to the policies and procedures of relocating Haitian refugees to Alabama. If you continue to fail to answer questions, we as the citizens of Alabama will demand a Congressional investigation into you and your agency. My neighbors and the entire state of Alabama deserve information.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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