Mobile Courant

On September 12, 2024, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) issued a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, criticizing him for what he described as the misuse of immigration laws to alter the demographic landscape of the United States permanently. Tuberville expressed serious concerns about the influx of foreign nationals into rural communities, which he believes endangers American lives and property.

"Throughout your tenure as Secretary of Homeland Security, you have repeatedly abused the statutory authority granted to your office by Congress by selectively manipulating the Immigration and Nationality Act to implement mass amnesty," Tuberville wrote. He specifically pointed out programs such as the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan (CHNV) Parole Program, which he claims have fundamentally changed the country’s landscape.

In his letter, Tuberville accused Mayorkas and the Biden-Harris Administration of neglecting their duty to safeguard Americans in favor of admitting foreign nationals without proper screening or vetting. "Under your leadership, this program... has become one that falsely presents itself with a promise of prosperity and support for aliens who are otherwise ineligible for admission to the U.S."

Tuberville highlighted specific issues faced by Alabama due to these policies. "The state of Alabama is experiencing an unanticipated influx of tens of thousands of Haitians to rural towns where resources are already strained," he noted. This surge has reportedly created safety, health, infrastructure, and economic challenges for local residents.

The senator also criticized federal education requirements that make it difficult for local schools to manage the needs of Haitian children fluent only in Haitian-Creole. "Alabama towns have not received any guidance or resources to address this influx," he added.

Tuberville concluded his letter by calling on Mayorkas to prioritize American safety and security: "As I have said in previous correspondence, I look forward to the day a DHS Secretary prioritizes the safety and security of the American people."

During his first term in the Senate, Tuberville has focused on border security initiatives including legislative efforts aimed at giving law enforcement more tools and reforming immigration laws. He supports policies such as building a border wall and reinstating Migrant Protection Protocols.