In 1978 and 1979, two American hockey players brought separate lawsuits against the National Hockey League, its teams and federal government officials in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, alleging violations of Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101, et seq. and the ...
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In 1978 and 1979, two American hockey players brought separate lawsuits against the National Hockey League, its teams and federal government officials in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, alleging violations of Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101, et seq. and the Minnesota Human Rights Act for the NHL's hiring of Canadian-born hockey players in lieu of qualified American players. Plaintiffs maintained that the practice amounted to discrimination based on national origin and a violation of federal immigration law.
Defendants moved to dismiss the case for failure to state a claim and lack of jurisdiction. Plaintiffs moved for leave to amend their complaints.
On October 11, 1979, the District Court (Judge Miles W. Lord) issued its memorandum and order denying leave to amend the complaints and dismissing both cases. Judge Lord held that the Immigration and Nationality Act did not create a private cause of action against the government under the circumstances. He also found that there was no jurisdiction over the various hockey team defendants. Collyard v. Washington Capitals, 477 F.Supp. 1247 (D.Minn. 1979).
Dan Dalton - 11/04/2007
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