The town of Hazleton, Pa., is threatening a Supreme Court showdown after a panel of judges last week threw out its restrictions against hiring and renting to illegal immigrants, a decision supporters say gives Washington a free pass to ignore its enforcement responsibilities.
Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, who has championed his city's crackdown in the face of persistent legal challenges, told Fox News on Monday that the federal appeals court ruling was a "blow" to cities trying to shield themselves from the "drain" of illegal immigration.
"The problem is that the federal government refuses to regulate the immigration problems that we're having in Hazleton and yet tells us that we can't defend ourselves," he said.
Hazleton's ordinance inspired dozens of imitation laws across the country. The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals decision would not directly invalidate those laws on a national level, but they could be on the line if the case makes its way to the Supreme Court. Barletta said he intends to appeal.
The Supreme Court has already agreed to review a conflicting decision out of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in which the court came down in favor of an Arizona law dealing with the employment of illegal immigrants. That law is separate from the controversial state law requiring police officers to inquire about immigration status.
Link.
No comments:
Post a Comment