HAZLETON — The city of Hazleton is appealing a district judge's decision that its Illegal Immigration Relief Act is unconstitutional.

The city filed a two-page, notice of appeal document in federal court on Thursday. It could take up to six months before the appeal is heard by a three-judge panel at the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.

U.S. District Judge James Munley struck down Hazleton's tough anti-illegal immigration law last month, saying states and municipalities have no business trying to stem illegal immigration, a federal issue.

The Illegal Immigration Relief Act imposes fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and denies 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.