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Immigration and the Politics of Divide and Conquer in Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Demetrius Carter

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Published in Undocumented Fears: Immigration And The Politics Of Divide And Conquer In Hazleton Pennsylvania

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In the small city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, the issue of immigration has become a flashpoint for political division. Over the past decade, the city has seen an influx of immigrants, primarily from Latin America, and tensions between newcomers and longtime residents have escalated. The city's demographics have changed dramatically in recent years, with the Hispanic population now making up over 50% of the total population. This rapid demographic shift has created a sense of unease among some longtime residents, who feel that their community is being taken over by outsiders. This sentiment has been fueled by a number of factors, including economic anxiety, cultural differences, and language barriers.

Undocumented Fears: Immigration and the Politics of Divide and Conquer in Hazleton, Pennsylvania

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In recent years, the issue of immigration has become increasingly politicized in Hazleton. Politicians have used the issue to divide voters and win elections. In 2006, Lou Barletta, a Republican, was elected mayor of Hazleton on a platform that promised to crack down on illegal immigration. Barletta's election was a sign of the growing resentment towards immigrants in the city. Since taking office, Barletta has implemented a number of policies that have made life difficult for undocumented immigrants in Hazleton. These policies include requiring landlords to check the immigration status of their tenants and making it a crime to harbor undocumented immigrants.

Barletta's policies have been controversial, and they have been challenged in court. However, they have also been popular with some voters. Barletta's supporters argue that he is simply enforcing the law and protecting the interests of American citizens. His critics argue that his policies are discriminatory and that they create a climate of fear and intimidation for undocumented immigrants.

The Divide

The issue of immigration has created a deep divide in Hazleton. Longtime residents and newcomers often live in separate worlds, with little interaction between the two groups. This divide is evident in the city's schools, churches, and businesses. There are few opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together and build relationships. As a result, the divide between newcomers and longtime residents continues to grow.

The divide in Hazleton is also evident in the city's politics. Lou Barletta has been a polarizing figure, and his policies have divided the city along partisan lines. Democrats and Republicans have very different views on the issue of immigration, and this divide is reflected in the city's voting patterns. In the 2016 presidential election, Hazleton voted for Donald Trump by a margin of 56% to 42%. Trump's victory was a sign of the growing resentment towards immigrants in the city.

The Politics of Divide and Conquer

The issue of immigration has been used by politicians to divide voters and win elections. This strategy is known as "divide and conquer," and it is a common tactic used by politicians around the world. By creating divisions between different groups of people, politicians can appeal to the fears and prejudices of voters and gain their support. The politics of divide and conquer is a dangerous game, but it can be very effective.

In Hazleton, the politics of divide and conquer has been used by both Democrats and Republicans. Lou Barletta has used the issue of immigration to appeal to the fears of longtime residents and win their votes. Democrats have also used the issue of immigration to appeal to the hopes and dreams of newcomers and win their votes. This strategy has been successful for both parties, but it has also deepened the divide in the city.

The issue of immigration is a complex one, and there are no easy answers. However, the politics of divide and conquer is a dangerous game that can have serious consequences. In Hazleton, the politics of divide and conquer has created a deep divide in the city and made it difficult for people from different backgrounds to come together and build relationships. This divide is a threat to the city's future, and it is something that all residents of Hazleton should be concerned about.

Undocumented Fears: Immigration and the Politics of Divide and Conquer in Hazleton, Pennsylvania

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