HAZLETON, Pa. - The mayor of Hazleton, Pa., says a federal appeals court has vacated a mandate that had declared the northeastern Pennsylvania city's controversial immigration ordinance unconstitutional.
The development comes after the U.S. Supreme Court in June ordered the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to take another look at the case. Court documents show the order was issued Friday.
Mayor Joseph Yannuzzi says the development is ``good news'' that puts the controversial immigration law back in the hands of the federal appeals court.
The court's initial decision prevented the city of Hazleton from enforcing regulations that would deny permits to business that hire illegal immigrants and fine landlords who rent to them. Hazleton's Illegal Immigration Relief Act inspired similar laws around the country.