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Posted on Thu, Aug. 17, 2006

SoCal city moves closer to ordinance against illegal immigrants


Associated Press

ESCONDIDO, Calif. - City leaders voted Wednesday night to draw up an ordinance that would punish people who provide jobs and housing to illegal immigrants.

The 3-2 vote followed more than two hours of heated debate from residents.

Councilman Ed Gallo said he hoped the ordinance would help improve the quality of life in this north San Diego suburb by limiting illegal immigration.

"Our charge is to provide for the health and safety of the residents of Escondido," Gallo said. "Is it wrong then to ask them to be here legally?"

But Councilman Ron Newman called the proposal a political ploy by its original sponsor, Councilwoman Marie Waldron, who is seeking re-election.

The ordinance would prohibit landlords from renting to illegal immigrants, revoke the business licenses of companies that hire illegal immigrants, and make English the city's official language.

The law was inspired by a similar measure passed last month in Hazleton, Pa.

Hispanics make up 42 percent of Escondido's population of 142,000.