ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- A tough set of laws aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration in Hazelton, Pa., were struck down Thursday by a federal judge.

Hazelton's Illegal Immigration Relief Act sought to impose fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs. Another measure would have required tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit.

Hispanic groups and illegal immigrants sued in federal court to overturn the measures.

They said the laws try to take away the federal government's exclusive power to regulate immigration, deprive residents of their constitutional rights to equal protection and due process, and violate state and federal housing law.

Hazleton's mayor pushed for the law last summer after two illegal immigrants were charged in a fatal shooting. Other cotoes around the country passed similar laws, and Hazelton's action has been trumpted by anti-illegal immigration groups.