PA Democratic Party Applauds Decision By Federal Judge That Makes Hazleton Ordinance Unconstitutional (press release)

Submitted by Small Town Defender on Fri, 2007-07-27 13:55.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
July 26, 2007
CONTACT: Abe Amorós
PHONE: (717) 829-6184
PA DEMOCRATIC PARTY APPLAUDS DECISION BY FEDERAL JUDGE THAT MAKES HAZLETON ORDINANCE UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Reinforces that only Federal Government has jurisdiction over immigration
issues

HARRISBURG: Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman T.J. Rooney today applauded a decision rendered by federal judge in ruling that Republican Mayor Lou Barletta and the City of Hazleton do not have the authority to enforce a mean-spirited, anti-immigrant ordinance that drove Latino business owners and residents out of town.

"This decision should serve as a reminder that while local municipalities have no authority or jurisdiction over immigration issues, we should also be very hesitant to condemn individuals that came to the United States to improve their lives and the lives of their children," Rooney said. "Franklin Delano Roosevelt understood the importance of creating a welcoming environment for immigrants, as did the Democratic Party, during the 30's and 40's. That lesson should be continued today.

"Democrats will continue welcoming Latinos and other immigrants into the Party as valuable members of our society. We will also show the necessary compassion as we help them become legal citizens in order for them to continue contributing to the well-being of our nation."

The Hazleton ordinance, adopted last fall, was a result of an incident involving two Latinos who were accused of a crime in a park. On July 2nd, both individuals were acquitted of all charges and were set free.

"Most of today's debate around immigration is misguided and deals with false perceptions and fear rather than facts," Rooney said. "Latinos today are facing the same struggles that our Irish, German, Italian, Polish and Greek ancestors faced, to name a few. Today, America represents the very best of every nationality. Latinos should be afforded the same opportunities that other immigrants had when they came to the United States to become productive American citizens."

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