The influx of Haitian migrants into small Alabama cities has sparked both challenges and opportunities for local communities. As political turmoil and violence escalate in Haiti, many Haitians have sought refuge in Alabama under a program initiated by President Joe Biden in 2023. This program allows up to 30,000 individuals per month from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. for two years with work authorization.
According to census data, in 2023, there were 2,370 people of Haitian descent in Alabama. While the exact increase in the Haitian population since the program's inception is unknown, anecdotal evidence suggests a rise in recent years.
