HAZLETON Pennsylvania
A federal judge’s ruling that a Pennsylvania
city may not enforce its tough anti-illegal immigration law could decide the
fate of copycat measures adopted in other communities around the U.S.
U.S. District Judge James Munley found fault with just about
every aspect of Hazleton’s Illegal
Immigration Relief Act, which he struck down Thursday in a 206-page opinion
that declared states and municipalities have no business trying to stem illegal
immigration.
Munley’s decision applies only to Hazleton,
but legal experts say it could lead to similar rulings elsewhere.
The decision is a road map for judges “inclined to find
in favor of immigrant advocates,” said Peter Spiro, who teaches
immigration law at Temple University.
“This is a big victory for immigrants rights advocates
… in the first major case addressing one of these ordinances,” he said.
“They could hardly have asked for more.”
Hazleton sought to impose fines on landlords who rent to
illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs.
Another measure would have required tenants to register with City Hall and pay
for a rental permit.
