SYLACAUGA, Ala. — In a kitchen devoid of furniture in Sylacauga, two Haitian immigrants share their story of starting anew in Alabama, a state they now consider home. They arrived in the U.S. this summer, searching for better opportunities and stability.
Speaking in Haitian Creole, Magdala Louissaint from WVTM 13 asked them why they left Haiti. One migrant explained, “We left Haiti because the situation in recent years has made it unlivable. We needed to find stability in the United States.” They gained entry through a government program.
For one of the men, leaving his family was particularly painful. “It was hard to leave my brother and dad. That really hurt me,” he shared.
The men have lived in the U.S. since early this year. Initially, they faced challenges finding work in states like Florida and North Carolina until they learned about better job prospects in Sylacauga from other Haitian migrants.
One migrant expressed appreciation for the warm welcome at his job. “At my job, they value us and have welcomed us warmly. I really appreciate that,” he said.
However, outside their community, not all reactions have been positive. Some local residents, including one woman, expressed concern about funding for English Language Services for migrants. “They are here on our territory, and we are paying for them. I just don’t appreciate that,” she stated.
Sylacauga, a city with a population of over 12,000, has prompted state legislators for clarity regarding the migrants’ presence. State Senator Lance Bell remarked, “There’s so much we don’t know. We still can’t get answers. We spent three days in Texas with border patrol and ICE.”
WVTM 13 discovered answers nearby, in a quiet neighborhood not far from where a town hall meeting took place. The migrants clarified their purpose, showing their federal work permits and stating they are in the U.S. to work in car parts manufacturing plants, not for agricultural labor. They emphasized their legal status and contributions to the local economy.
“People don’t need to fear us as if we came here to cause chaos. Not at all. We came here because we love to work,” one migrant stated, addressing the Sylacauga residents.
Despite facing challenges, these migrants remain committed to working hard and pursuing their American dreams.
City officials estimate that around 50 Haitians have recently settled in the area. One migrant revealed their journey was supported by a sponsor through a government program, while another is in the U.S. under temporary protected status.
At a recent town hall, state officials discussed plans to create a state immigration law to monitor individuals entering through the Humanitarian Parole Program.
To support the Haitian community, the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga will host an English as a Second Language event on Sunday at 6 p.m. This event, open to other churches, will feature a specialist teaching Haitian Creole.
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