http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?new ... 0575&rfi=8

Immigration issue travels north

10/10/2006

When Mayor Lou Barletta introduced his ordinance on illegal immigration, some astute observers asked where the illegal immigrants would go if they were driven out of Hazleton. The answer may be north on Route 81.

The President of Scranton City Council, Judy Gatelli, says illegal immigrants are moving to that city as they leave Hazleton.

She has support for her contention from Mayor Barletta and from the immigrants themselves.

“We’ve watched people pick up in the middle of the night and move away and, from what I understand, they’ve moved to Scranton,” said Mayor Barletta. He adds, “If they were legal, they wouldn’t pick up like that and move.”

Although she does not have specific numbers on the immigration to Scranton, Gatelli says she has a feeling it is increasing and wants to do something about it.

“I have asked that we get a copy of Hazleton’s ordinance and review it because the illegal immigrants are coming here from Hazleton,” she said.

While Scranton and Hazleton wrestle with the problem, Wilkes-Barre is taking a wait and see approach. Attorneys have advised the city not to act on any immigration ordinance until the Hazleton lawsuit plays out in federal court.

While they are waiting, several members of Wilkes-Barre council have expressed support for part or all of Hazleton’s ordinance — Kathy Kane, Jim McCarthy, Tony Thomas.

As we see it, the wisest thing for our towns to do is see how the Hazleton ordinance fares in court. If it is deemed legal, then more local communities can enact it without fear of high legal bills.

Also, it is important to separate legal immigrants from illegal immigrants. We don’t want this issue to be a source of unfair harsh treatment of people who have done the right thing and earned citizenship.

From Hazleton to Scranton and all points in between the right thing is to turn away the illegal immigrants but welcome the legal immigrants.

©The Citizens Voice 2006