On September 9, 2010, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia said that a Hazleton, Pa. law had usurped the federal gov.’s exclusive power to regulate immigration. The northeastern Pa. city of 30,000+ had sought to fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants & deny biz permits to companies that give them jobs. A companion measure required prospective tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit.
In my opinion: “This ruling is a very interesting development with regards to the question of whether federal law preempts state law on the issue of immigration and one which casts doubt on the constitutionality of Hazelton’s ordinance and Arizona’s controversial new statute, especially if the Supreme Court upholds this ruling,” stated Peter L. Johnston, Esq.