Former President Donald Trump mentioned the Charleroi borough during his rally in Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he discussed immigration. Speaking to Charleroi residents, Trump highlighted the significant increase in population that the town has experienced. However, Council member Larry Celaschi clarified that this statistic specifically refers to the immigrant population, which stands at around 2,500 individuals.
One resident named Tom Altmiller expressed concern about the growing population and its impact on local businesses. He emphasized that this situation is not beneficial for anyone involved and made it clear that he does not intend to criticize the Haitian population residing in Charleroi.
On the other hand, longtime business owner Mark Alterici viewed the increasing immigrant population as a positive development. He expressed excitement about seeing businesses being filled and stressed that these individuals are entering legally. Alterici emphasized that they are not discussing illegal immigrants but rather people seeking a better life by escaping unfavorable circumstances.
Charleroi Council President Kristin Hopkins-Calcek suggested that Charleroi should be seen as an example of successfully navigating such situations. She highlighted how diverse Charleroi currently is with residents from 44 different nationalities.
Regarding Haitian immigrants specifically, they are under “temporary protected status,” allowing them to legally live and work in the United States. Jean-Claude Francois immigrated from Haiti many years ago and now resides in Charleroi after previously living in New York City. Francois purchases blighted properties in Charleroi and rehabilitates them.
Francois explained that all Haitians come to America seeking a better life due to peaceful conditions lacking back home.
Republican state Sen. Camera Bartolotta recently responded on social media platform X regarding claims about Haitian immigrants in Charleroi. Bartolotta defended these individuals by highlighting their hard work ethic, commitment to education for their children, and their legal status within the country. Many of them are professionals who escaped dire conditions in their home country.
