Illegal Immigration Case Opens in Federal Court



Monday, March 12, 11:16 a.m.
By Josh Brogadir

A landmark illegal immigration case in Hazleton now shifts to Scranton. Lawyers from several advocacy groups are arguing today that the city of Hazleton's Illegal Immigration Relief Act is unconstitutional.

Opening statements wrapped up a short time ago.

Aside from city crews cleaning up from the St. Patrick's Day parade, the action outside the federal courthouse in Scranton has been the local and national media attention.

Television news trucks are lining North Washington Avenue in front of the courthouse.

It is the first federal trial involving a small municipality, the city of Hazleton, that has tried to crack down on employers and landlords who do business with illegal immigrants.

The Illegal Immigration Relief Act was first passed last July. Several groups, including the ACLU, that filed suit against the city of Hazleton filed into the courthouse earlier this morning.

They allege local government should not oversee immigration, and that is up to the federal government. They also accuse the city of discrimination.

At the center of it all is Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta. He claims the ordinance is needed to protect his city from illegal immigrants who bring crime and rising costs in healthcare and education to Hazleton.

"You'll probably hear the opposition talk about illegal aliens who they feel have been harmed, but how about legal Americans who have been harmed, as well," Barletta said as he went into the courthouse.

http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=6213662&nav=5ka4