Sylacauga Mayor Jim Heigl addressed concerns after residents witnessed an influx of Haitian immigrants being bused in.
Heigl said workers are being dropped off in Sylacauga for employment, but he isn't sure where they are working. He stressed that Sylacauga is not a “Sanctuary City” as some previously claimed.
“Sylacauga has not opted into being deemed a ‘Sanctuary’ city nor do we have plans to pursue that option in the future,” Heigl said. “As many of you know, current Sylacauga housing would not accommodate large influxes of population whether they are immigrant or citizens.”
The mayor said the city cannot handle an increase in population due to challenges in education and housing. He said officials do not support becoming a sanctuary city because of increases in crime. However, he claims immigrants being dropped off to work are legal and asked residents to be kind.
Heigl publicly said the immigrants were not causing problems.
“As with most tight-knit small towns, new faces out among our stores and restaurants are easily identifiable,” he outlined. “Sylacauga has recently had an influx of legal immigrants come into the area. Employment was the primary draw for these individuals when obtaining their visas for legal immigration to the area.”
“As you go about your regular routines of living in Sylacauga, please be sure to extend our small-town hospitality to these new faces,” Heigl continued. “I hope that during the duration of their visas, Sylacauga leaves a positive impression for these immigrants with the high level of care and spirit of community that we are known for.”
Similar concerns were addressed in Marshall County earlier this month. 1819 News found Pilgrim's Pride was busing immigrants in for work. The company has since discontinued the service.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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