State Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga) is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security about the “policies and procedures of relocating Haitian refugees to Alabama.”
The issue gained statewide attention after videos began to circulate on social media showing immigrants being transported via bus to live in in Marshall County. Robbins sent a letter for DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Thursday about the recent influx of Haitian refugees seen by Sylacauga residents.
“Your failure to inform our rural community before dropping off immigrants has created panic and confusion,” Robbins said. “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.”
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The state lawmaker also expressed concerned about the state’s ability in being able to handle surge of new immigrants.
“Further, rural Alabama does not have the support services nor the resources to house a wave of immigrants. We have a housing shortage,” he argued. “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 told Mayorkas that Alabamians want answers on what’s taking place in their communities.
“I am demanding answers and direction from your agency as to the policies and procedures of relocating Haitian refugees to Alabama,” he said. “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.”
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” Weekdays 9-11 am on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
