Pennsylvania Town Legislates Against Illegals

HAZLETON, Pa. (July 14) - The City Council approved a law Thursday night designed to make this small city in northeastern Pennsylvania among the most hostile places in the U.S. for illegal immigrants to live or work.

The 4-to-1 vote came after nearly two hours of passionate debate. Opponents argued it was divisive and possibly illegal, but supporters said illegal immigrants' growing numbers have damaged the quality of life here.

"We must draw the line, and we are doing it tonight," Mayor Lou Barletta told a packed council chambers.

Barletta proposed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act last month as a response to what he said were Hazleton's problems with violent crime, crowded schools, hospital costs and the demand for services.

The ordinance would deny licenses to businesses that employ illegal immigrants, fine landlords $1,000 for each illegal immigrant discovered renting their properties, and require city documents to be in English only.

"The illegal citizens, I would recommend they leave," Barletta said after the meeting.

Council Vice President Jack Mundie voted for the ordinance.
"We're against illegal immigrants that are coming here and that are draining the resources of our city," he said.

The number of Hispanic residents in Hazleton, a former coal-mining town about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia, has increased dramatically in the past six years.
http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/city-passes-harsh-law-against-illegal/20060713215209990003?ncid=NWS00010000000001

I predict that Mayor Barletta will have his job for about as long as he wants it.

The AOL poll that accompanied the story revealed that only 15% of readers were against the town's new law.