Opposite Reactions to Immigration Court Decision in Pa.
July 28, 2007 - 5:56pm

Hank Silverberg, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON - Local governments in the region, which have been trying to crackdown on illegal immigrants, are looking closely a court ruling from Pennsylvania.

A federal court struck down a restrictive anti-immigration law in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. However, one of the sponsors of the immigration bill in Virginia, John Stirrup, said he doesn't see that as being reflective as to what might happen here.

"We have not even moved to the implementation stage of our resolution yet. Nor have we formally passed the ordinances."

On the other hand, Jaime Contreras, from the National Capitol Immigrant Coalition, sees this ruling as an indication that the pendulum is swinging back in his direction.

"This is, for us, some light at the end of the tunnel after all the immigrant attacks our community has faced."

Contreras warned that Prince William and Loudoun counties will face lawsuits once they try to implement the policy. Contreras said the decision provides them with guidance on how to go after similar laws.

"We're going to go after anywhere this type of legislation is a topic of discussion."

However, Stirrup says getting too excited about the Pennsylvania decision is this type of law is premature and unnecessary.

(Copyright 2007 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Hank Silverberg, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON - Local governments in the region, which have been trying to crackdown on illegal immigrants, are looking closely a court ruling from Pennsylvania.

A federal court struck down a restrictive anti-immigration law in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. However, one of the sponsors of the immigration bill in Virginia, John Stirrup, said he doesn't see that as being reflective as to what might happen here.

"We have not even moved to the implementation stage of our resolution yet. Nor have we formally passed the ordinances."

On the other hand, Jaime Contreras, from the National Capitol Immigrant Coalition, sees this ruling as an indication that the pendulum is swinging back in his direction.

"This is, for us, some light at the end of the tunnel after all the immigrant attacks our community has faced."

Contreras warned that Prince William and Loudoun counties will face lawsuits once they try to implement the policy. Contreras said the decision provides them with guidance on how to go after similar laws.

"We're going to go after anywhere this type of legislation is a topic of discussion."

However, Stirrup says getting too excited about the Pennsylvania decision is this type of law is premature and unnecessary.

http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=1203058