http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=5020491

llegal Immigrant Relief Act

Monday, June 12, 5:16 p.m.
By Bob Reynolds

The mayor of Hazleton wants English as the official language of the city but there is more to a proposed new law than that.

Just ask anyone who lives in Hazleton and they'll probably tell you the population is swelling, swelling with immigrants.

Officials say some of the crime there, including the two men recently charged with murdering a man, was committed by illegal immigrants.

"We had a man shooting a gun at a playground around that same time. He was here illegally. We had a drug bust on Wyoming Street. Two of the six were illegal. We had a murder on Wyoming Street. That person was illegal," said Mayor Lou Barletta.

That's why he wants the Illegal Immigration Relief Act passed. The city could fine landlords for knowingly renting housing to illegals. There would be a $1,000 fine for every violation. Companies could lose licenses to operate in the city if illegals are knowingly hired.

The act also makes English Hazleton's official language. That means all city documents will only be available in English. The head of the city's Hispanic community supports the mayors actions.

"I was surprised about that part but we recognize that English is the official language of the United States and people who come here should learn the language, which is English," said businessman Amilcar Arroyo.

Ed Chipkevich plans to open a bakery in the city.

"I think they should crack down on illegal aliens and I think businesses should not hire illegal aliens," he said.

Council is take up the issue on Thursday. Mayor Barletta believes his proposal will become law because it only cracks down on lawbreakers.


http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=5019822

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION RELIEF ACT ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE 2006 -

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HAZLETON AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1 - TITLE

Ibis chapter shall he known and maybe cited Immigration Relief Act Ordinance" as the "City of Hazleton Illegal

SECTION 2. - FINDINGS AND DECLARATION OF PURPOSE

The People of the City of Hazleton find and declare:

A. That illegal immigration leads to higher crime rates, contributes to overcrowded classrooms and failing schools, subjects our hospitals to fiscal hardship and legal residents to substandard quality of care, and destroys our neighborhoods and diminishes our overall quality of life.

B. That the City of Hazleton is empowered and mandated by the People of Hazleton to abate the nuisance of illegal immigration by aggressively prohibiting and punishing the acts, policies, people and businesses that aid and abet illegal aliens.

SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS

Whenever used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

"City" means the City of Hazleton. "Contract employer" means any person individuals through a day labor agency who obtains the services of one or more

"Vehicle" means a vehicle as defined in Pennsylvania Vehicle Code as the same now reads or may hereafter be amended.

SECTION 4. BUSINESS PERMITS. CONTRACTS OR GRANTS

Any for profit entity including acts committed by- its parent company or subsidiaries that aids and abets illegal aliens or illegal immigration shall be denied approval of a business permit, the renewal of a business permit, city contracts or grants for a period not less than five years from its last offense.

A. Aiding and abetting shall include, hut not be limited to, the hiring or attempted hiring of illegal aliens, renting or leasing to illegal aliens, or funding or aiding in the establishment of a day laborer center that does not verify legal work status.

B. Any act that aids and abets illegal aliens within the United States, not just within the City limits, will constitute a violation.

SECTION 5. RENTING TO ILLEGAL ALIENS

A. Illegal aliens are prohibited from leasing or renting property. Any property owner or renter/tenant/lessee in control of property, who allows an illegal alien to use, rent or lease their property shall be in violation of this section, irrespective of such person's intent, knowledge or negligence, said violation hereby being expressly declared a strict liability offense.

B. Any person or entity that violates this section shall he subject to a fine of not less than $1,000.00.

SECTION 6. ENGLISH ONLY

A. The City of Hazleton declares that English is the official language of the City.

B. Unless explicitly mandated by the federal government, the state of Pennsylvania or the City of Hazleton, all official city business, forms, documents, signage, telecommunication or electronic communication devices will he conducted or written in or utilize English only.

SECTION 7. SEVERABILITY

If any part of provision of this Chapter is in conflict or inconsistent with applicable provisions of federal or state statutes, or is otherwise held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such part of provision shall be suspended and superseded by such applicable laws or regulations, and the remainder of this Chapter shall not be affected thereby.