As the illegal immigration debate gains strength and momentum, communities are going to have to recognize the economic implications of their efforts also. I am against illegal immigration, just so it is know on the record. If we are going to turn a blind eye to those that come into the United States illegally while punishing those who are following the law and waiting for their turn to arrive legally, we have a significant problem.

However, as someone who follows real estate, these illegals have to live somewhere, and their huge numbers have to have as much impact on housing prices as the speculators have, if not more. So if we had a wholesale exodus of the illegal aliens, what would it do to the real estate markets?

The city of Hazleton, Pennsylvania has enacted tough new landlord laws that make it a crime to rent to an illegal alien. If they are caught renting to illegals, they face significant fines. What is happening now is the illegals have for the most part left before the law is enacted.

Now it will be an interesting time to see what happens to the city. The AP has an article today on it, and takes a very pro illegal immigrant perspective (no surprise there) focusing on the Hispanic businesses that are affected. What I am interested to see is what happens to the housing prices in the town and where rents go.

Will the landlords and property owners take a big hit? And will the law survive the challenges that pro-illegal immigrant supporters throw at it? If you know the area, please leave a comment as we will be following the town of Hazleton, PA for the next year.

Update: A federal judge Tuesday temporarily barred Hazleton, Pennsylvania, from implementing a law designed to prevent illegal immigrants from living in the town. Judge James Munley of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania issued a temporary restraining order against Hazleton City Council, preventing it from enforcing its Illegal Immigration Relief Act Ordinance. via CNN

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