Logansport, Indiana, with a pre-existing population of 18,000, has experienced a significant influx of migrants, increasing its population by 30% since 2021—approximately 5,000 new residents. This surge has led to overcrowded schools and hospitals, causing concern among local residents. The number of Haitian immigrant students in Logansport schools has risen dramatically, from 14 in 2021 to 207 this year. Many migrants have settled in the area for jobs at a local meat-packing plant, but their rapid arrival has strained the city’s health and education systems. Parents, like Nancy Baker, report that their children are struggling in schools, prompting some, like Baker’s daughter Cheyanne, to drop out due to a lack of attention from teachers, who are overwhelmed by the number of non-English speaking students.
Migrant Surge Pushes Children out of Schools in Small Indiana City
Updated on October 22, 2024