http://cbs3.com/topstories/local_story_240235251.html

Aug 28, 2006 11:52 pm US/Eastern

Immigration Debate Heating Up In Allentown

Calvin Hughes
Reporting

(CBS 3) ALLENTOWN The controversial debate over illegal immigrants is in the spotlight again, this time in Allentown.

An ordinance is in the works that would bar city employment and rental properties to illegal immigrants.

It is believed that Hispanics make up close to 20-percent of Allentown's population.

City Councilman Louis Hershman is proposing the Allentown city ordinance banning illegal immigrants from landing a city job or renting property.

The same situation is playing out in Riverside, New Jersey and there is lots of opposition.

When asked if he thinks if it could happen in Allentown, Hershman said, "I don’t want it to happen in Allentown, I am not on that road, please believe me, I am not on that road."

The mayor of Allentown missed a committee meeting Monday night despite Hershman's invitation.

For residents in Allentown, the topic of illegal immigration is a very divisive one. Folks with both sides of views on the topic showed up at the meeting and voiced their opinions.

The full city council may get a recommendation by the end of the next month for a new illegal immigration act.

It is one that the mayor is expected to veto but if that happens, Councilman Hershman says he will try to place a referendum by early next year.