City officials in Hazleton were the first in the country to adopt ordinances intended to drive away illegal immigrants by punishing local landlords for renting to them and employers for giving them jobs. The restrictions, which have yet to take effect, have been imitated by at least 80 towns and cities.
Kris W. Kobach, a law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, described a surge in violent crime and gang warfare since 2005 that city officials attribute to a growing population of illegal immigrants.
The rights groups say the ordinances encourage discrimination against Hispanic residents, violate federal and state housing laws, and overstep the powers of a local government to deal with immigration, which has been almost exclusively a federal matter.
Witold Walczak, the legal director for the Pennsylvania A.C.L.U., said Hazleton did not have the authority to inquire into its residents' immigration status. "Law regarding immigration can and must be passed only by Congress." Mr. Walczak said in an opening statement, warning that the ordinances could unleash racial vendettas in which neighbors would make complaints about Hispanic residents based on their appearance.
Hazleton’s mayor, Louis J. Barletta, the driving force behind the laws, said his basic purpose remained the same: to make Hazleton hostile territory for illegal immigrants.
Mr. Barletta said that some Hispanic businesses had complained of losing customers and that some immigrants had moved away. We witnessed many people leaving in the dark of night,” he said. “We have to assume they were illegal aliens.”
Still, the court testimony left an impression of a harsh social change in Hazleton for some Hispanic residents.
Last year, Hazleton also adopted an ordinance making English the city’s official language. That law is the subject of a temporary restraining order issued by Judge Munley, but it is not at issue in this trial.
Kris W. Kobach, a law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, described a surge in violent crime and gang warfare since 2005 that city officials attribute to a growing population of illegal immigrants.
The rights groups say the ordinances encourage discrimination against Hispanic residents, violate federal and state housing laws, and overstep the powers of a local government to deal with immigration, which has been almost exclusively a federal matter.
Witold Walczak, the legal director for the Pennsylvania A.C.L.U., said Hazleton did not have the authority to inquire into its residents' immigration status. "Law regarding immigration can and must be passed only by Congress." Mr. Walczak said in an opening statement, warning that the ordinances could unleash racial vendettas in which neighbors would make complaints about Hispanic residents based on their appearance.
Hazleton’s mayor, Louis J. Barletta, the driving force behind the laws, said his basic purpose remained the same: to make Hazleton hostile territory for illegal immigrants.
Mr. Barletta said that some Hispanic businesses had complained of losing customers and that some immigrants had moved away. We witnessed many people leaving in the dark of night,” he said. “We have to assume they were illegal aliens.”
Still, the court testimony left an impression of a harsh social change in Hazleton for some Hispanic residents.
Last year, Hazleton also adopted an ordinance making English the city’s official language. That law is the subject of a temporary restraining order issued by Judge Munley, but it is not at issue in this trial.
No comments:
Post a Comment