Friday, July 27, 2007
Federal judge strikes down Pennsylvania rental ban, similar to Farmers Branch’s
Email
|
Print
|
Tell us your story
|
Comment (1)
|
Hazelton, PA had passed an ordinance to punish landlords and company owners who give homes/jobs to illegal immigrants. Sound familiar? But now the ordinance in Pennsylvania has been "voided" by a federal judge. U.S. District Judge James Munley struck down the ordinance based on testimony presented over a nine-day hearing back in March. The Pennsylvania ACLU website has the following portions of Judge Munley's ruling posted:
Whatever frustrations officials of the City of Hazleton may feel about the current state of federal immigration enforcement, the nature of the political system in the United States prohibits the City from enacting ordinances that disrupt a carefully drawn federal statutory scheme. Even if federal law did not conflict with Hazleton's measures, the City could not enact an ordinance that violates rights the Constitution guarantees to every person in the United States, whether legal resident or not...
We cannot say clearly enough that persons who enter this country without legal authorization are not stripped immediately of all their rights because of this single act … The United States Supreme Court has consistently interpreted [the 14th Amendment] to apply to all people present in the United States, whether they were born here, immigrated here through legal means, or violated federal law to enter the country.
Omar Jadwat of the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project said of the ruling: "Today’s decision sends an unmistakable message to local officials across the nation that these types of ordinances are a waste of taxpayer money, anathema to American values and a violation of the Constitution."
Doubtful, however, as Farmers Branch City Council member Tim O'Hare told sources that Farmers Branch would continue to seek ways to make illegal immigration difficult in his thriving metropolis. On the other hand, FB Mayor Bob Phelps continues to speak out against the rental ban.
Posted by Erin
Related stories
- Tim O’Hare running for mayor in Farmers Branch (Jan. 24, 2008)
See more stories in:
Find...
Today
Norma Jean / Haste The Day / The Showdown / MyChildren MyBride / Children 18:3 Granted, you probably have to wear your tight jeans to gain entry to this show, but at least it's for Norma Jean. If you occasionally have the hankering for unbridled screaming set to a beat, this Atlanta quintet is your band. Basically, they're the band all the little screamo kids wish they were. Beware: the teenagers own Deep Ellum tonight. More info
Blogs
- Mr. Mojo
Square Pegs - Artery clogger of the day: The Hamburger Fatty Melt
Square Pegs - Jeff Crilley’s early career
Square Pegs
Latest comments
- Scott Doyle on Rick Yost and the Sofa Kings : $3 wells & domestic longnecks is tolerable, so no worries. Also, I surprisingly have a reasonable am...
- Jason Rice on Rick Yost and the Sofa Kings : ::we can’t afford to screen the stage with chicken wire So no covers of *Rawhide* ? Feh!...
- Erin Rice on Big Buck Brewery in Grapevine changes name to Uncle Buck's: I was driving by Grapevine Mills on Saturday in a generally foul mood. Then I saw the sign for Uncle...
- xdavidwattsx on Artery clogger of the day: The Hamburger Fatty Melt: What part of your brain is malfunctioning to the point where you actually think that disgusting thin...
Latest reviews
- preagle on Peggy Sue BBQ: As an ex-Chicagoan who knows his Polska Kielbasa, some of the best I’ve EVER had was at Peggy Sue’s....
- preagle on Gloria's (Dallas / Lemmon & Douglas): Great specials ($3 sangria, $3 house margaritas, Happy Hour all day M & Tu), friendly service, and w...
- pabloindallas on Uncle Wok Restaurant: Had a meal delivered to our home. Overcooked, tasteless pork. Overcooked, tough beef. Bland sauces. ...
Things you can't miss
Latest stories
- New product Wednesday, at Dallas-area stores: Ghirardelli 72% Extra Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
- Alan Barnes Fine Art presents: John Kingerlee
- Jasper High School, Plano is site of homemade firework
- Pegasus News election survey: Chris Utchell, candidate for Texas State Rep. - District 91
- Pegasus News election survey: Thomas Love, candidate for U.S. House of Rep. - District 24
Comments
Carson Anonymous
I'm not so sure the overturning of the Hazleton ordinance has anything to do with being unconstitutional. I mean look at whom we are dealing with here. The Federal Government routinely violates the U.S. Constitution.
It is all about taking what they want.
When they seized control of California, after the passing of Proposition 187, they claimed it was unconstitutional. Then they had someone park it on their desk to keep it from moving up through the courts.
We have been dictated to ever since.
I wish you all luck with your attempt to restore law and order. Be ready to act. You've seen recent history unfold before you. We have no excuse like that we forgot!
1 year, 2 months ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )
Post a comment
(Requires free PegasusNews.com account.)