Proposed Illegal Immigration Law Draws Controversy

http://www.action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=8737666

Posted: July 25, 2008 05:06 PM

Fremont, NE - A proposal in Fremont to localize illegal immigration enforcement gets extended to include employers. This bold attempt to kick illegal immigrants out, is putting Fremont in the spotlight nationwide. While it appears a majority of the city's residents back the plan, it's causing opponents from outside the city to get involved.

"People are frustrated that the federal government won't enforce their own laws," says Fremont Councilman Bob Warner.

He introduced the ordinance as he plans to leave office.

"I did that purposely so people wouldn't come back and say that Bob is doing as a campaign to get re-elected."

The proposed law requires employers to electronically verify immigration status and sets 100 dollar fine landlords who rent to illegal's and renters who don't provide proof of citizenship or visa. Anyone renting in the city is also required to pay five dollars to the city for an occupancy licence if they can prove their legal. Warner says over all, it will save money.

"It's costing the United States all over money. Yes, it's costing in Fremont. Yes, it's costing in Schuyler. Yes it's costing in Lexington. Yes it costs them in Grand Island and it cost you in Omaha too."

"Is there a problem with illegal immigrants? Absolutely. Is it a huge problem in Fremont, Nebraska? Probably not," says Councilman Scott Getzschman.

He isn't supporting the proposal for fear it will cost Fremont more money when people sue the city.

"Why pass something that we are going to be in court for? Our state attorney general has more or less said that we know it would be litigated."

When other city's around the nation passed similar laws, lawsuits filed in opposition focused on civil rights.

"It's not about discrimination. It's not racism. It's about people that are breaking the law," says Warner.

Because this is such a hot topic city officials in Fremont are moving next Tuesday's public hearing to Fremont High School at 7 p-m. They're expecting large crowds on both sides of this issue so they will only be limiting speakers to three minutes each.
Reported by: Dave Roberts, dgroberts@action3news.com

(FROM VMONKEY: IF LANDLORDS FILE TAXES ON THE MONEY FROM ILLEGALS AND TAKE TAX DEDUCTION TO REDUCE THEIR TAXES - IS THIS A CRIME, TOO. TAX EVASION VIA ILLEGAL CRIMINAL ALIENS AIDING AND ABETTING. AND IS IT NOT TRUE THAT EMPLOYERS ARE TAKING TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR THE WORKPLACE OF THESE ILLEGAL CRIMINAL ALIENS.)