Court Blocks Hazleton’s Immigration Law

A federal appeals court has ruled that Hazleton, Pa., may not enforce its crackdown on illegal immigrants, dealing another blow to legislation that inspired copycat measures around the nation, including Arizona.

The northeastern Pennsylvania city had sought to deny business permits to companies that employ illegal immigrants, fine landlords who rent to them and require legal tenants to register and pay for a rental permit.

On Thursday, an appeals court in Philadelphia upheld in large part a judge's 2007 ruling that struck down the laws.

Hispanic groups and illegal immigrants had sued to overturn the laws, saying they usurped the federal government's exclusive power to regulate immigration.

The laws were never enforced.
 

Copyright Associated Press

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