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03-24-07, 08:50 PM
Case will help clarify illegal alien issue
Officials of the small town of Hazleton, Pa., are taking on the open-borders crowd in a federal court case that has important ramifications for local and state governments throughout the country.
Last year, Hazleton officials enacted a series of laws intended to crack down on illegal immigrants in their community. The American Civil Liberties Union and some Hispanic groups filed a lawsuit seeking to have the local laws overturned. Last week, a U.S. District Court judge in Scranton began hearing the case.
There are several issues involved. For example, one of Hazleton’s rules is intended to stop landlords from renting rooms, apartments and houses to illegal immigrants. Part of the measure requires that tenants register with city government. Some don’t like that requirement.
But the core issue of constitutionality seems to be whether a local or state government has the power to enact any laws aimed at restricting illegal immigrants. Plaintiffs suing Hazleton say no. Only Congress can do that, they insist.
We don’t think so. A variety of crimes are banned by local, state and federal governments. And, while Congress has the power to set laws regulating immigration, the Constitution does not prohibit states from attempting to control illegal immigrants — and to discourage residents and businesses from aiding them — once they arrive here. The Hazleton case represents a town trying only to do that.
The community should be upheld in its efforts.
http://www.mininggazette.com/stories/articles.asp?articleID=6313
Officials of the small town of Hazleton, Pa., are taking on the open-borders crowd in a federal court case that has important ramifications for local and state governments throughout the country.
Last year, Hazleton officials enacted a series of laws intended to crack down on illegal immigrants in their community. The American Civil Liberties Union and some Hispanic groups filed a lawsuit seeking to have the local laws overturned. Last week, a U.S. District Court judge in Scranton began hearing the case.
There are several issues involved. For example, one of Hazleton’s rules is intended to stop landlords from renting rooms, apartments and houses to illegal immigrants. Part of the measure requires that tenants register with city government. Some don’t like that requirement.
But the core issue of constitutionality seems to be whether a local or state government has the power to enact any laws aimed at restricting illegal immigrants. Plaintiffs suing Hazleton say no. Only Congress can do that, they insist.
We don’t think so. A variety of crimes are banned by local, state and federal governments. And, while Congress has the power to set laws regulating immigration, the Constitution does not prohibit states from attempting to control illegal immigrants — and to discourage residents and businesses from aiding them — once they arrive here. The Hazleton case represents a town trying only to do that.
The community should be upheld in its efforts.
http://www.mininggazette.com/stories/articles.asp?articleID=6313