SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Late Monday afternoon, Sylacauga Mayor Jim Heigl addressed the subject of numerous rumors of illegal immigrants being dropped off in the city. Heigl said there are indeed more immigrants in the city but they are legal and here for employment purposes.
Here is the complete press release:
“The City of Sylacauga would like to formally address the expressed concerns circulating regarding Sylacauga being deemed a “Sanctuary” city and recent changes to our local immigrant population.
Sylacauga has not opted into being deemed a “Sanctuary” city nor do we have plans to pursue that option in the future. As many of you know, current Sylacauga housing would not accommodate large influxes of population whether they are immigrant or citizens. Year to year we struggle to accommodate new teachers and the general influx of local workers to house in Sylacauga; any additional increases in population would make those accommodations even more difficult to attain. There are many additional reasons associated with “Sanctuary” cities, such as increases in criminal activity, that further support the Mayor and Council’s decision not to support or pursue Sylacauga as a “Sanctuary” city designation.
As with most tight-knit small towns, new faces out among our stores and restaurants are easily identifiable. 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. 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.”
