ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — In Marshall County, concerns are rising over the reported influx of working migrants in Albertville. This has led to meetings and letters addressing potential impacts on public safety, schools, and other local services. FOX54’s Ken McCoy spoke with Alabama Senator Wes Kitchens about what is being done to address these issues.
Senator Wes Kitchens told FOX54 on Wednesday that the concern is not about immigrants taking jobs, but rather the strain that the increased population puts on local institutions already facing overcrowding issues.
“For many years, we've had an immigrant population that's moved into this area back 20, 30 years,” Kitchens said.
The reported increase in migrant numbers in areas like Athens and Albertville has heightened concerns among residents. Kitchens says that this reported increase could make existing problems worse.
"Our school system when you talk about Albertville specifically. But in many other school systems, we're out of space," Kitchens said.
Kitchens added that the increased population could worsen the teacher shortage. “It’s tough trying to fill positions. If you have 20 or 30 kids, that’s a whole new teacher unit that you have to add. When we already have a teacher shortage around Alabama,” he explained.
Law enforcement could also face challenges with the growing population. “From a law enforcement standpoint, first responders, more people tend to lead to more calls. So, you know, we're trying to recruit people to fill these positions. But when we already have shortages in some of these positions, adding population in a very short amount of time just really increases the growing pains that you may have from that,” Kitchens said.
In response, Kitchens has sent a letter to Washington urging a reconsideration of federal policies. “The only option that we have right now is for federal policy change. And that comes from the top. So that was what I wanted to do through this process, was make them aware of things that are happening right here in my district,” he said.
Kitchens shares that his actions are limited at the state level but he remains committed to exploring all options. "We've had a great response from our federal delegation with Congressman Strong, Congressman Aderholt, Senators Britt and Tuberville. All of them have been more than eager to work with us on solutions. And those are the people that represent these areas that we're talking about right now. But, you know, without a change in administration at the top, then these policies may or may not be able to make it through the congressional process," Kitchens added.
FOX54 also reached out to Albertville City Council President Nathan Broadhurst, who could not comment but mentioned that another meeting on the issue is scheduled for Monday. We will continue to update you as this story develops.