Logansport, Indiana, is facing a severe strain on its public schools as thousands of Haitian migrants have moved into the area, increasing the county’s population by 30%. Residents are blaming the Biden-Harris administration for failing to control the immigration crisis, which they say is leading to overcrowded classrooms and neglected students.
Local photographer Candice Espinoza told The New York Post, “Our community cannot withstand this many people being here,” expressing concerns over the rapid population growth and its impact on education. Another resident, Nancy Baker, stated that if Vice President Kamala Harris came to her door, she would tell her, “Get off my property,” criticizing the administration’s handling of immigration.
The most significant issue facing the community is the school system, where the number of Haitian migrant students has increased fifteen-fold, jumping from 14 to 207 in just one year. Baker’s daughter, Cheyanne, had to drop out of high school because teachers were devoting most of their time to students who didn’t speak English. “You can’t just focus all your resources on one group of children and everybody else is falling behind,” Baker said.
Cheyanne is now enrolled in an online school, feeling abandoned by the public education system. Espinoza echoed these concerns, noting that her own children, ages 10 and 13, are also struggling. “Their reading and comprehension are going to decline because teachers are lowering expectations,” she said.
Logansport Mayor Chris Martin acknowledged the problems caused by the influx of migrants but attributed some difficulties to “assimilation issues.” Despite these challenges, he insists that cultural differences are partly to blame for the current situation.
Residents like Espinoza plan to vote for Donald Trump, hoping for change. “When Trump becomes president, our state will improve,” she said, adding that she believes the current administration is failing to address the needs of the American people.
