Fill out this form to email this article to a friend
Trial opens on law aimed at illegal immigrants
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published March 13, 2007
SCRANTON, Pa. - Leaders of a Pennsylvania town that cracked down on illegal immigrants went to court Monday to defend their practices at the start of a trial to explore whether local governments may act on their own to curb illegal immigration. Officials in Hazleton, south of Scranton, passed the city's Illegal Immigration Relief Act last summer, imposing fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and denying business permits to companies that employ them. Another measure requires tenants to register with City Hall. Hispanic groups and the American Civil Liberties Union sued, contending the measures are unconstitutional. In opening statements, ACLU attorney Witold "Vic" Walczak told a judge Monday that there is no evidence to back up the claim by Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta that illegal immigrants are destroying the quality of life in his city. Kris Kobach, a law professor representing Hazleton in the case, said the town acted after an increase in crime. The judge barred enforcement of the law pending the outcome of the nonjury trial, which is expected to last two weeks.
[Last modified March 13, 2007, 02:26:36]
Share your thoughts on this story
Comments on this article
|
by Michele
|
03/19/07 05:47 PM
|
|
When did illegal immigrants gain the same constitutional protection as legal citizens? Good for Hazleton and shame on the ACLU.
|
|
by andy
|
03/13/07 01:11 PM
|
|
its time that the term illegal means what is says. lets get it right and deal with it rather then just talking and doing nothing.
|
|
by Orfeo
|
03/13/07 12:25 PM
|
|
Kudos to the townspeople. They got no help from the Feds, so they took matters into their own hands and are doing so in a legal fashion. The Mayor is doing his job and the ACLU is way off base here. Hopefully others will follow his example.
|
|
by Bill
|
03/13/07 10:48 AM
|
|
The entire USA is watching Hazleton. It will set a precedent. I admire the mayor. You are doing what is right. Never let Hazletown go the way California has. If I moved to Tijuana today, I'd never know the difference. God Bless You.
|
|
News
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Print
Email story
Comment
Email editor
