Hundreds rally in Hazleton for immigration reform

HAZLETON, PA -- Several hundred people gathered outside Hazleton City Hall on Sunday in support of Mayor Lou Barletta, the city's Illegal Immigration relief Act and national immigration reform.

The crowd cheered speakers who praised Barletta for proposing the city's immigration ordinance, which would penalize landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and businesses that hire them. The measure is on hold due to a legal challenge by Hispanic groups and individuals.

Barletta was one of the final speakers and was greeting by rousing applause from the crowd.
Barletta called the Comprehensive Immigration Act, soon to be considered by the Senate a "bad piece of legislation."

"In far too many cases, that means our local and national security will rely on the honesty of criminals and terrorists," he said.

Barletta spoke about the strain he says illegals have caused in healthcare, employment and school.

Among the speakers at the rally was Joey Vento, owner of Geno's Steaks, whose Philadelphia eatery has signs reading "This Is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING 'PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH."

"We have nothing against immigrants," Vento said. "We just want them to be legal." Associated Press, 6-4-07.