FREMONT, Neb. - Fremont city leaders say they will again take up an effort aimed at prohibiting employers from hiring illegal immigrants.

The City Council will be asked at its Feb. 24 meeting to allow staff to begin working up a new ordinance. It would require employers in the city to use a federal Internet-based employment verification system called E-Verify.

The council attempted a similar ordinance last summer, but it also contained provisions banning renting to and hiring illegal immigrants. That effort was defeated.

State Sen. Brad Ashford of Omaha has introduced a bill (LB34) to discourage hiring of illegal immigrants on a statewide level. A hearing on that bill is set for Feb. 18.

Fremont city officials have been in talks with Ashford.

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