**Charleroi, PA Grapples with Sudden Influx of Immigrants Amidst Trump’s Controversial Remarks**

Charleroi, Pennsylvania, a small town with a shrinking population, has recently become a focal point of heightened tensions following remarks by former President Donald J. Trump. Over the past two years, the town has seen a significant increase in immigrants, many fleeing violence from Haiti, which has led to both opportunities and friction within the community.

Amos Vougar, an immigrant who arrived in Charleroi three years ago, initially found the town to be a welcoming place. The affordable rent and job opportunities enabled him to support his family in Liberia. However, the recent influx of immigrants has made things markedly different. Claims by Trump that immigrants have brought "massive crime" to Charleroi have particularly unsettled Vougar and many others in the town, exacerbating fears and spreading rumors.

The population shift has been profound; Charleroi, with an estimated population of about 4,200 as per the 2020 census, now hosts roughly 2,000 immigrants, including about 700 from Haiti. This demographic change has caused rents to rise and put a strain on local resources, such as the nearby Walmart, which often runs out of essential items due to increased demand.

Despite these challenges, some see the new arrivals as beneficial. Many immigrants have opened businesses along the main avenue, revitalizing the area. Additionally, at factories like Fourth Street Foods, immigrants fill roles that had long been vacant, performing labor-intensive jobs that many American-born workers were reluctant to take.

Dave Barbe, the president of Fourth Street Foods, acknowledges the importance of immigrant workers in maintaining operations. Entry-level jobs at his plant, which involve repetitive and physically demanding tasks in cold conditions, have become less appealing to younger Americans in recent years.

As the town grapples with these changes, the closure of a glass plant making Pyrex products poses another economic blow, potentially eliminating over 300 jobs. Borough manager Joe Manning notes that this has caused residents to feel disaffected, searching for someone to blame for the numerous changes in their lifestyles.

Amid these challenges, the school district has been particularly impacted. The influx of immigrant children has prompted a rapid expansion of English learning programs and classroom restructuring. Mark Killinger, principal for kindergarten through second grade, remarked on the increase in English-learning students, especially in kindergarten where the rate has surged to 35 percent.

Former Haitian Coast Guard member Getro Bernabe, now serving as Charleroi's first immigrant community liaison, mentions that many immigrants moved to the town due to job opportunities and low living costs. As Charleroi gains national attention, Bernabe increasingly hears from anxious parents questioning the safety and future of their children in the local schools.

While Charleroi remains a relatively quiet place, the rising number of immigrants and Trump’s comments have undeniably stirred the pot, leading to a mix of anxiety, rumormongering, and hope for new beginnings in this changing town.