LOGANSPORT, INDIANA-State Representative Bob Morris Weighs In Over Concerns About Haitian Migrants in Logansport. Kayla Blakeslee, host of WOWO 1190 AM, and Indiana State Representative Bob Morris discussed the growing number of Haitian immigrants settling in Logansport. While the city isn't within Morris' district, he acknowledged that he is aware of the influx and its broader implications for Indiana communities.
During the interview, Blakeslee described Logansport as potentially becoming "the new Springfield, Ohio," another city in the Midwest grappling with an increase in Haitian migrants. Blakeslee also expressed concern over reports that some Haitian adults, aged 18 to 20, are enrolling in local high schools in Cass County, overwhelming the system. "It appears Haitian adults are actually being enrolled as high schoolers at local schools in Cass County at an alarming rate that the schools actually cannot sustain," she said.
Representative Morris echoed her concerns, stating, "Many more are coming, Kayla," as well as noting the difficulty in verifying ages due to a lack of proper documentation. "Many of them have fled Haiti and don’t have birth certificates… we’re figuring out they’re actually a lot older than what they’re stating they are, and it’s a real problem," he explained.
Morris also touched on why Haitian migrants are coming to Indiana, noting the state’s low cost of living and availability of work. "Some have migrated up here to Indiana because of our low cost of living, and many more are coming," Morris added, highlighting the economic factors driving this influx.
A central focus of their discussion was the financial strain the influx has placed on local resources. Blakeslee raised the question many residents are asking: "Where is the money coming from for all of those things?" Morris responded bluntly, "It’s coming right from your paycheck, Kayla. Hoosiers are paying for these immigrants to be here." Morris stated "Our dollars go to the federal government, as well as the state government, and it's our money going to pay for this."
The pair also discussed the temporary status of many of the immigrants, with Morris explaining that they are in the U.S. under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. He added, "The Biden administration just extended many of these immigrants another 18 months. They’re not here permanently, Kayla. Allegedly." However, Morris acknowledged that the situation is becoming increasingly complex, especially when it comes to families. He pointed out that many of the migrants have children born in the U.S., which makes the prospect of returning to Haiti much more difficult. "Their kids are now U.S. citizens. Anyone born on U.S. soil is a U.S. citizen, so it’s compounding the problem a lot worse than many people can even imagine," he explained.
There’s been a lot of talk around Logansport lately about the influx of Haitian immigrants. This small Indiana town is suddenly faced with the kind of rapid population growth that can change the fabric of a community. Like many places across the country, Logansport is now dealing with both the excitement of new opportunities and the real concerns about how to manage the pressure on local resources.
Indiana has always been a magnet for people looking to start over, thanks to its affordable cost of living and job availability. And for these Haitian families, places like Logansport represent a fresh start. But with this rapid influx comes a growing strain—especially on the schools and healthcare system. The schools, in particular, are facing a tough situation.
Some of the recent reports about older immigrants enrolling in local high schools is causing concern. It’s one thing to welcome new students into the community, but it’s another when there’s little documentation to verify their age. Should we be allowing adults—potentially 18, 19, or 20 years old—into the same classrooms as younger students? Without proper verification, this raises a legitimate safety concern for parents, teachers, and the students who are of the appropriate age. Schools simply aren’t equipped to handle this kind of situation without clearer guidelines and support. Logansport Community School Corporation Michele Starkey said " We don't make the rules." When asked about this matter, "We are bound by federal guidelines.".
Another big question on everyone’s mind is: why Logansport? Is this sudden influx random, or is there a specific draw? Some residents have started to wonder if Tyson Foods has anything to do with it. Meatpacking plants across the country have long relied on immigrant labor, and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that word has spread among job-seekers that Logansport has opportunities available. Tyson has invested in the immigrant community over the years and in 2022, invested $1.5 million dollars to provide free legal and citizenship services.
As Representative Bob Morris pointed out in the interview, much of the funding to support these new arrivals is coming directly from taxpayers. While the federal government helps out in some areas, it’s the local budgets—already stretched thin—that are feeling the strain. Healthcare, social services, and public assistance programs are all being impacted, and people are starting to feel the pinch. What started out as a temporary arrangement begins to feel more permanent, and that brings its own set of challenges.