Thread: Escondido, CA update

http://www.10news.com/news/10200474/detail.html

Coalition Group Demands Repeal Of Anti-Immigrant Ordinance
Organizations Are Prepared To File Suit Against Escondido

POSTED: 8:46 am PST October 31, 2006
UPDATED: 9:52 am PST October 31, 2006

ESCONDIDO, Calif. -- A coalition of civil rights groups has asked the city of Escondido to repeal a recently passed law that bans renting to illegal immigrants, 10News reported.


In a letter sent Friday to the city attorney's office, the coalition, headed by the American Civil Liberties Union, said the ordinance was "riddled with constitutional flaws and statutory violations." It said a court challenge is imminent if the city moves forward with its plans to implement the law, the North County Times reported.


At the very least, the coalition is asking the city to put off enforcement of the ordinance until a court can decide its constitutionality, according to the newspaper.


The law, set to take effect Nov. 18, would impose penalties on landlords who rent property to illegal immigrants.


Under the proposed law, landlords would be required to submit documentation on their tenants' immigration status to the city, which would forward the information to the federal government for verification.


Landlords whose tenants are not legal residents would have 10 days to remove the renters or face penalties, including a suspension of their business license and misdemeanor charges for repeated offenders.


The ordinance's provisions would only be triggered by complaints from a landlord, tenant or other member of the public.


City Manager Clay Phillips said he was aware of the letter but had not yet reviewed it. He also said the council is scheduled to meet with law firms in closed session Wednesday to discuss legal strategies and decide who might represent Escondido in the event of a lawsuit, the newspaper reported.

Anti-Immigrant

Nice thing to send across the AP San Diego.

Dixie