Crackdown on illegal immigrants cited as Pa. mayor receives honor

HAZLETON, Pa. - The mayor of Hazleton, Pa., who drew nationwide attention for his crackdown on illegal immigration, has been named the state's Mayor of the Year.

Pennsylvania State Mayors Association gave Lou Barletta the honor Saturday. Group officials cited his illegal immigrant crackdown and his hands-on method of combating crime.

In 2006, the Hazleton City Council had approved a law that would deny business permits to companies that employ illegal immigrants, fine landlords who rent to them and require tenants to register and pay for a rental permit.

A federal judge has struck down the ordinance as unconstitutional.

The three-term Republican mayor is now running for Congress.