Southwest PA News

Andy Armbruster, a resident of Charleroi, Pennsylvania, expressed concerns about the increasing number of immigrants in his hometown. He described the situation as an example of how government entities are using immigration to replace American citizens.

"The unrest in Charleroi Pennsylvania, and many small communities around the country, has nothing to do with cats or dogs, or even Haitians," said Armbruster. "The crux of the problem is a grand scheme to displace and replace American citizens with cheap immigrant labor. The real story is about greedy businessmen, corrupt politicians (federal, state and local), NGOs, and warring staffing agencies that compete with each other for control and exploitation of the foreign workers. The number of people profiting from this situation is quite small compared to the large numbers of people who are losing out and being used."

According to an article from the Inquirer, the immigrant population in Charleroi has increased by over 2,000% since 2022, with most newcomers hailing from Haiti. In 2022, Charleroi had fewer than 5,000 residents and foreigners made up less than 3% of the total population in 2020.

The Biden-Harris administration has designated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows immigrants from that country travel authorization and employment opportunities while protecting them from removal from the United States. The U.S. Customs and Immigration Services states that when an immigrant is designated TPS, the Department of Homeland Security cannot detain them based on their immigration status.

Former President Donald Trump addressed the issue during a rally in Tucson, Arizona. "Charleroi experienced a 2,000% increase in the population of Haitian migrants under Kamala Harris," he said. "So Pennsylvania, remember this when you have to go to vote ... just remember this 2,000% increase." Trump also claimed that Haitians are costing local taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and suggested that crime rates have risen while describing the town as "virtually bankrupt."

Armbruster is a graduate of Charleroi High School's class of 1995 and is a father and grandfather residing in Charleroi.