Concerns over an influx of Haitian migrants in Albertville have largely died down from their fever pitch over the summer. However, that could soon change under the new Trump administration’s tightening of immigration laws.
Local Haitian American businessman Jeff Lamour has been working with Albertville officials to help bridge the gap between the city and the Haitian community. He said the mayor and council have been supportive of minorities and that progress has been made. Still, many of the migrants are uneasy about the coming crackdown on illegal immigration. On Monday, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders dealing with border security after promising during his campaign to mass deport the millions of illegal aliens who entered the country under Joe Biden.
“There’s a lot of people scared. They’re uncertain. They don’t know what’s going to happen,” Lamour told 1819 News.
He referenced U.S. Sen. Katie Britt’s (R-Montgomery) Laken Riley Act, which is expected to soon be signed into law after it achieved final passage in the Senate on Monday.
“There’s been a lot of changes that came to the Haitian community, definitely. Right now, a lot of people have just been worrying about the [Laken Riley Act],” Lamour continued. “Everybody’s just kind of been worrying about that, some of the TPS (temporary protected status) holders. Somebody was telling them, some of the Haitian community, that if they get accused of a crime, they could get deported.”
Lamour said he’s already noticed a decline in the local Haitian population as many have fled the country to avoid potential legal trouble.
“People are going. I know a lot of guys that went to Canada and different places,” he said. “There’s people selling their cars and their leaving. I’ve noticed that there’s a decline in Haitians. A lot of people have been leaving.”
While he understands many immigrants coming to America want a chance at a better life, Lamour said it should be done through the proper legal process. In addition to helping with code enforcement and joining the city’s chamber of commerce as a business ambassador, Lamour also helps teach a “unique”’ class that helps minorities assimilate into local culture.
He said that, due to his work with the city and outspoken views on the matter, he’s been the target of much criticism, mainly from the political left.
“I’ve been receiving a lot of hate from people. Just mostly Democrat people. They don’t like me,” he said.
Despite the tension, Lamour said the overall Albertville community has grown more unified since the most recent controversy began over the summer when locals rallied against the rise in immigration in the area after large white charter buses were seen dropping off what appeared to be Haitian migrants downtown.
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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