This question was removed so it's being repeated. What do you guys think?

Question

ALLENTOWN, Pa. Nov 1, 2006 (AP)— A federal judge on Tuesday blocked the city of Hazleton from enforcing a pair of ordinances targeting illegal immigrants, just hours before the measures were to go into effect.

The measures, approved by City Council last month, would have imposed fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and denied business permits to companies that give them jobs. They also would have required tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit.

U.S. District Judge James Munley ruled that landlords, tenants and businesses that cater to Hispanics faced "irreparable harm" from the laws and issued a temporary restraining order blocking their enforcement.

"We find it in the public interest to protect residents' access to homes, education, jobs and businesses," he wrote in a 13-page opinion.

Hispanic groups and the ACLU sued Hazleton on Monday, contending that the laws trample on the federal government's exclusive power to regulate immigration.

The plaintiffs include the Hazleton Hispanic Business Association, landlords, a restaurateur and several illegal immigrants facing eviction, including children who attend public schools.

Mayor Lou Barletta, who spearheaded the crackdown, has argued that illegal immigrants have brought an increase in drugs, crime and gangs to the city. The city's lawyers on Tuesday cited a 10 percent increase in crime between 2004 and 2005 as a reason why the ordinances should be enforced.

Munley, however, wrote that the city "offers only vague generalizations about the crime allegedly caused by illegal immigrants, but has nothing concrete to back up these claims." The city also failed to provide statistics on the number of illegal immigrants living in Hazleton, he wrote.

Furthermore, Munley wrote, the plaintiffs have a "reasonable probability" of getting the laws declared unconstitutional.

Hazleton's crackdown, which was announced in June, has spurred other towns to pass similar laws. Municipal officials view the Hazleton lawsuit and a similar one in Riverside, N.J., as test cases.

Witold J. Walczak, legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, hailed Tuesday's decision as an important victory.

"I think what's important is the judge recognized that this ordinance has the potential to cause real harm by costing people their jobs, their houses and requiring children to leave schools," he said.

The judge's restraining order expires Nov. 14. He indicated that he will schedule a hearing on the ACLU's motion for a temporary injunction.

Barletta said he is convinced the courts will ultimately uphold the law. He noted his lawyers had only a few hours to prepare for Tuesday's hearing and said he is confident they will "prove our right to defend and protect our citizens."

"I'm not discouraged. They may have delayed enforcement for now, but this too shall pass," Barletta said Tuesday. "We have only begun to fight."

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2620912

Hollywood - I'm not an illegal immigrant. What a pathetic thing to say.

I think it's ironic that they'l complain about this situation being unlawful - but when it comes to American citizens' rights being protected and laws enforced it's like it doesn't matter.

And yes this is a question for all of you who seem to love to report this. I wanted to know what true patriotic Americans have to say about something like this.

Answer 1

What a travesty of justice, the judge needs to be disbarred and thrown bodily off his/her bench. I think its very patriotic of the mayor of Hazelton that he decided to continue the fight, this is what all Americans need to do, take the fight to the legal system, challenge the status quo, set precedents that serve the best interests of this country. Any one want to take up residence in Hazelton to displace the criminal trespassing element?, That would be very patriotic. Thanks for the informative article.

Answer 2

It is so weird to me when people report a news article....

I just answered a question on this. I feel funny about the housing but understand it is the only way they see to protect their schools for their own children. I understand from a posted article yesterday that their education budget for ESL went from something like $26,000 in 2000 to $800,000 in 2006. (The dates may be off, but the numbers were pretty close to that.)

This is a small town. Where are they supposed to get that sort of money?

Answer 3

Ok, so don't let Hazelton enforce their city ordinance, instead send the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in their entirety to Hazelton and deport every single illegal alien, and have done with the entire mess. If they're going to take issue with Hazelton, then how about the 'sanctuary cities'?

It is estimated that there are some 12 million illegal aliens, maybe as many as 20 million, in the United States today. If the ACLU et. al. now write our border policy, what next, Mr. Congressman, what next, Mr. Senator?

Furthermore, that's the AMERICAN Civil Liberties Union, not the Guatemalan Civil Liberties Union In America, or whatever...'just say no' to communism, there...

Answer 4

That judge should be removed from the bench. Since when do non citizens rights out weigh that of the native citizen. He wrote to "protect residents' access" Get real, what about the Citizens right of self determination.

And doesn't the Judge realize, that he might of had a pay raise on the taxes that were not collected from those employers who are skirting the system.

Answer 5

Go Mayor Lou Barletta!!

I live in an area of the US the has been VERY adversely effected by the influx of illegal aliens. I hope that laws are brought about to fine landlords and employers that cater to these individuals.

Answer 6

i think the constitution should be upheld! so what the economy looses a little bit of money because we stand up and enforce the laws that state you must be a citizen or have permission from the governement to live here! think about how much we will gain when we are not supporting these families who are in our welfare systems and getting state and federal aide. not to mention all the criminals we are housing and giving 3 hots and a cot to when they are not suppose to be here in the first place. these are things that shoud have been done long ago!

Answer 7

When is everyone going to wake up! Why do you want to protect Owners who pay slave wages? And landlords who rent out small apts to large number of people. And they are slums too. If someone owns a business and they cannot stay in business because of no workers to pay slave wages to. Then so be it. The real issue is Min. Wage in this country is way too low. Congress knows and has done nothing on this one. Turned down every increase. Thanks Republicans!!!!!

Answer 8

I think it is pathetic that the ACLU thinks that these laws that were going to go into effect are unconstitutional. Our constitution is put in place to protect AMERICAN CITIZENS. Illegal immigrants are not protected under our constitution...just the same as if we went to a foreign country we would have to abide by their rules/laws. Why do illegal immigrants have such a big chip on their shoulders? They think that they are above and beyond all laws.

Answer 9

It will be an interesting experiment in cracking down on illegal immigration and what issues that will bring.

That town has already seen businesses failing or struggling since many illegal aliens are skipping town.

I'm not for illegal immigration-- but taking drastic measures to fix the problem will cause other problems.

Answer 10

This Bill will pass, right after the 14 of Nov. 2006. Is this bill doesn't pass then we have to do something else, but we cannot just quit, we are in war and we have to win for our country. United We Stand!!!