Barletta Statement on SCOTUS Decision on Nebraska Illegal Immigrant Ordinance

Statement

Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued a statement regarding the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court not to hear a case involving a Fremont, NE ordinance that prevents landlords from renting to illegal immigrants. Fremont's law, which now will remain in effect, is similar to part of an ordinance passed by Hazleton, PA while Barletta was mayor. Hazleton's law was struck down by the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal.

Barletta's statement is as follows:

"While Hazleton's ordinance did not enjoy the same fate as Fremont's, I am heartened by the success some cities are having in protecting themselves from the costs of illegal immigration. When I was mayor of Hazleton, we saw our population increase by 50-percent while our tax base remained the same. I thought then, and still believe, that localities should have the ability to protect themselves if the federal government is not going to do its job in enforcing our immigration laws. I am proud that we led the way in Hazleton, serving as a model and making it possible for some localities to bring order to a chaotic situation.

"It is unfortunate that the differing court decisions have left a patchwork quilt of local immigration laws across the nation. What is the law in Fremont, Nebraska has been blocked in Hazleton. I still firmly believe it is the duty of the high court to reconcile these differences."

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