Hazleton council approves immigration ordinance
AP
philly.com
Sep 14, 2006
HAZLETON, Pa. - The Hazleton City Council formally approved its revamped immigration ordinance, reworking the law it passed two months ago in an effort to withstand legal challenges. The revised version passed 4-1 Tuesday. Council members also voted unanimously to make English the official language of the city.
Like the version it replaces, the new immigration ordinance punishes businesses that employ illegal immigrants and landlords who rent to them in the city of 31,000 residents about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The biggest change is in the enforcement of the law, putting the burden of verifying immigration status on the city, giving landlords and businesses time to correct violations before sanctions are imposed, and softening penalties.
