"Barletta said he proposed the ordinance this week because many of the city’s new residents are illegal immigrants. Hazleton’s population has spiked from 23,000 to 31,000 in six years because of an influx of Hispanics.
Barletta said he doesn’t know how many of the new residents are illegal immigrants, but he noted illegal immigrants allegedly are responsible for a variety of recent crimes, including a homicide May 10 on East Chestnut Street.
About 50 people attended Thursday’s meeting, and about half of them applauded after Barletta read his opening statement. "
The National Problem, becomes the local problem.
From City Data.com:
Population (year 2000): 23,329
Est. population in July 2004: 22,319 (-4.3% change)
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