An Escondido official's proposal to make it illegal for landlords to rent to undocumented immigrants has the community talking -- and not everybody supports the idea. Councilwoman Marie Waldron wants to punish landlords with fines of up to $1,000 for renting to undocumented immigrants. The community is sharply divided over the idea

"What they're creating is hatred among people," said Escondido resident Monica Camacho.


A similar measure is being considered in San Bernardino, where supporters are in the process of gathering signatures.

Some people in Escondido said they supported the idea.

"I think they should be held accountable for who's living there," one man told NBC 7/39.

"If you're going to rent your property out to somebody, I think it's your responsibility to, no. 1, make sure they'd be a good tenant, and, no. 2, I think you should check legal status," said another man.

Critics, however, think the plan has flaws.

"I think it would be the government's responsibility, not the landlords'," said Escondido resident Adriana Ramos.

Other critics said the proposal would violate state law to have property owners checking citizenship.

"You cannot check their documents," said Camacho. "Even if you know they're not legal, you cannot tell them they're illegal."

One member of the council who asked not to be identified told NBC 7/39 that the proposal is a political move to gain attention for Waldron, who is up for re-election in November.

Regardless of the idea's genesis, the controversial idea is hitting close to home.

"Half of my family is from the United States, and half my family is from Mexico," said Camacho

Escondido's city manager said that the earliest the proposal could go before the council would be next month.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/9492368/detail.html