Judge Tosses Anti-immigrant Town Law

Says ‘zealous’ xenophobia is over the line
By Heather McPherson,  Newser User
Posted Jul 27, 2007 12:43 PM CDT
Judge Tosses Anti-immigrant Town Law
Roads End bar on Broad Street in Hazleton, Pa., displays a sign on Thursday, July 26, 2007 that reads "ALL Legals Served." A federal judge on Thursday, July 26, 2007, struck down the city of Hazleton's tough crackdown on illegal immigrants, ruling unconstitutional a law that has been emulated by towns...   (Associated Press)

A set of city ordinances intended to check illegal immigration was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge yesterday,  the AP reports.  The measures had imposed fines on businesses that hired illegal workers and required rental tenants to register with the city and buy permits.

The mayor of Hazleton, Pa. quickly announced he would appeal the decision, while the ACLU and local groups—which said behavior towards Hispanics had already become more aggressive—praised it. Whether the decision will affect more than 100 towns around the country inspired by Hazleton remains to be seen; some were waiting for yesterday’s verdict before going forward with laws of their own. Meanwhile, construction, agriculture and tech companies have bemoaned labor shortages exacerbated by these local laws. (More immigration stories.)

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