How Latinos are saving this former mining town in the US

A decade ago, the small city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, came into the national spotlight for its tough laws aimed at cracking down on “illegal immigrants.” The city threatened steep fines and penalties for anyone renting a room or employing someone who was undocumented.

But things have changed dramatically since that time. These days, Latinos are Hazleton’s driving economic force.

Since 2000, the town’s Latino population has exploded from 4% to more than 40% and dozens of Latino-owned businesses have opened, providing thousands of much needed jobs.

Continue reading…