The U.S. Supreme Court dealt final blows to illegal immigration laws from two separate cities on Monday.
The high court refused to hear appeals from the cities of Farmers Branch, Texas and Hazleton, Pa. of lower courts’ decisions invalidating the laws.
Both cities had attempted to prevent immigrants not legally in the country from renting housing. The Hazleton ordinance also would have denied permits to businesses that hired people illegally.
By refusing to hear the appeals, the high court leaves in place rulings by the lower courts that immigration enforcement is federal jurisdiction.
The Bickel and Brewer Storefront, a community service affiliate of the Bickel & Brewer law firm in Dallas, said the high court’s decision ends a seven-year campaign against ordinances by the city of Farmers Branch, a bedroom community of Dallas.
“Our hope is that the city will close this unfortunate chapter in its history and begin to embrace the changing demographics of the community _ as part of a more inclusive and dynamic future,” William Brewer III, the firm’s partner, said in a statement.