http://link.toolbot.com/latimes.com/22770

Judge Extends Block on Immigrant Law
By Associated Press
11:34 AM PST, November 6, 2006


SCRANTON, Pa. -- A federal judge's order temporarily blocking the city of Hazleton from enforcing a crackdown on illegal immigrants was extended Monday to give both sides time to prepare for a trial.

U.S. District Judge James Munley, whose temporary restraining order was due to expire Nov. 14, extended it for up to 120 days. He said he would prefer that the trial begin within 90 days.

A pair of measures approved by City Council last month would fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants, deny business permits to companies that hire them, and require tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit.

Hispanic groups and the American Civil Liberties Union filed suit to overturn the crackdown, contending it tramples on the federal government's exclusive power to regulate immigration.

The city defends the law as necessary to protect legal residents from crime.