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on last week's Hazleton decision, calling the town's anti-immigrant ordinance a "legal and moral dead end." The editorial continues:

As long as people like [Hazleton Mayor] Barletta persist in misusing the law to serve their prejudices, they will make the immigration system an ever more incoherent muddle. They will thwart reasonable efforts to grapple with the opportunities and problems borne in with the influx of newcomers. And they will continue to dehumanize not only their victims, but themselves.

Also of note in the post-Hazleton decision round-up: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader , calling it "the proper decision." The : "Illegal immigration is a national problem that requires a national solution. That's why the patchwork approach attempted by Hazleton, Carpentersville and others is doomed to fail." Albor Ruiz of the New York Daily News and wrote the decision was a "hopeful sign, despite the current climate of unmitigated hostility toward immigrants and their families." Finally, : "Congress has the responsibility of crafting immigration law. It didn't need a court to tell it that."

In towns across the country with laws similar to Hazleton's, legislators are reconsidering whether it's worth the court fight to enforce their local measures. In Escondido, Calif., on whether to revive the law that was tabled last year. In smaller towns surrounding Hazleton, .

Two side notes: Could Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta be using his crusade against immigrants as a springboard for great political aspirations? Pennsylvania papers and the both point out that Barletta is pondering a run for a Congressional seat. (Since when has divisiveness and intolerance hit home with Pennsylvania voters?) And the Standard Speaker .