Thread: Opponents of Anti-Immigration Measures Petition for Vote

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Opponents of Anti-Immigration Measures Petition for Vote
Last Edited: Thursday, 14 Dec 2006, 5:40 AM CST
Created: Thursday, 14 Dec 2006, 5:40 AM CST

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas -- Opponents of several anti-illegal immigration rules approved in this Dallas suburb turned in a petition Wednesday that they hope will force a vote on the measures.

Activists think it was inappropriate for a council made up of only white males to make the decisions and want city voters to decide instead, said petition volunteer Elizabeth Villafranca.

Petitioners needed to collect at least 726 signatures, or 5 percent of the 14,533 voters registered for the May election. Organizers say they gathered about 1,400 in about two weeks, Villafranca said.

"What we've been telling people is ... it doesn't matter if you are for or against the issue," she said. "All that matters is that the will of the people be done. Not the 50 or 70 people who scream the loudest."

Council members unanimously approved having property managers or owners verify the immigration or citizenship status of apartment renters. The ordinance was part of a series of anti-illegal immigration rules passed in November. Council members also approved resolutions making English the city's official language and allowing local authorities to become part of a federal program so they can enforce immigration laws.

Last month's decision made Farmers Branch the first Texas city to adopt a sweeping ordinance intended to keep out illegal immigrants. It's one of more than 50 cities or counties around the country that have considered, passed or rejected laws banning landlords from leasing to illegal immigrants, penalizing businesses that employ undocumented workers and making English the city's official language.

Petition organizers pointed out that a majority of names signed were Anglo, showing it wasn't just Latinos who disapproved of the measures, said Christopher McGuire, of Uniting Farmers Branch, a multi-ethnic group opposing the city council's decision.

The city charter requires the council to reconsider the measures if petitioners gathered enough signatures. If the council still wants to keep the measures, the issue could then be placed on a ballot.

Farmers Branch officials have 15 days to review and validate the signatures on the petition. The petition would then be presented to the council if there are enough valid signatures. The council would then have 20 days to take action, said city spokesman Tom Bryson.

Officials also face a lawsuit filed by a real estate broker this month alleging members of the Farmers Branch City Council and the city's mayor repeatedly violated the state's open meetings laws to deliberate the ordinances.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund is looking at potential legal challenges. The Apartment Association of Greater Dallas is also examining the legality of the ordinance.

Activists think it was inappropriate for a council made up of only white males to make the decisions and want city voters to decide instead, said petition volunteer Elizabeth Villafranca.

Once again the truth racist nature of these cretons gets exposed.