29 These physical barriers to secure housing are compounded by social resistance, as third-generation residents of Hazleton’s earlier pan-European immigrant communities feel they are “losing” their city. These anxieties are shaped by both past demographic change and racialized notions of who “belongs.” In 2006, the city and its residents advocated for a discriminatory ordinance, titled the “Illegal Alien Immigration Relief Act. “ As David recalls, these “prohibited speaking Spanish and renting to Spanish tenants.” These laws would make it exceedingly difficult for Hispanic immigrants to establish livelihoods in Hazleton, preventing immigrants from securing housing or participating in civic life. The law was ultimately struck down by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as unconstitutional in 2007, but it underscored how social resistance and tension has built policies to deter physical and civic entry into communities. In 2011, Bob and Elaine, alongside Joe Maddon, established the Hazleton Integration Project to counter this resistance to immigration. They created a civic institution designed to enable Hispanic residents to participate in shaping the city’s future, lowering language barriers, expanding access to civic voice, and building the social infrastructure necessary for communities to accept change and new residents. The organization began by focusing on youth programs, launching the area’s first bilingual pre-kindergarten. Recognizing that language barriers affected entire families, the programs expanded. “We added ESL classes for adults, because we realized one of the biggest problems –Rossanna Gabriel Executive Director, HIP If there are so many people here, we need representation. We are fighting to have a place. We are rebuilding this community. Small City Social & Cultural • Feature • Hazleton Integration Project
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