Anti-Immigrant Ordinance is Unconstitutional

Washington, DC – The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) commended a federal judge in Scranton, Pennsylvania, after he ruled against the City of Hazleton in a landmark challenge to a local anti-immigrant ordinance (Lozano v. City of Hazleton). The ordinance was an extreme measure that would have resulted in racial profiling, discrimination, and denial of benefits to legal immigrants. Today’s ruling sends a clear message that the Hazleton ordinance and similar measures around the country will not be allowed to stand.

“The proponents of this ordinance exploited the issue of immigration for political gain. They knew the proposal was not an effective way to resolve the immigration issue, and they knew it would be challenged in court. Today’s ruling makes it clear that attempting to regulate immigration at the local level creates enormous problems for the entire community, and runs afoul of the law,” stated Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO.

The failure of the U.S. Congress to enact responsible and practical immigration reform has resulted in an environment in which states and localities across the country attempt to regulate immigration through local laws. “While we are all legitimately frustrated by Congress’s inaction, we must not abandon reason and sensibility,” stated Murguía. “Unfortunately, immigration cannot be regulated state by state, and local attempts have tremendous negative impacts on immigrant communities and U.S. citizens alike. We are hopeful that today’s ruling will convince cities contemplating similar legislation to abandon their efforts and put pressure on Congress to do its job.”

“Congress failed to act earlier this year, but the Latino community remains hopeful that fair and reasonable immigration reform can and will pass,” Murguía continued. “The American people have been clear that we want a solution to our broken immigration system. The Latino community will continue to oppose ineffectual and harmful anti-immigrant measures at the state and local level, and pressure our representatives in Washington, DC to reject destructive ‘enforcement-only’ proposals and pass effective immigration reform.”

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