http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/ ... 89441.html

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Ordinance unanimously approved
By: TODD MCHALE (Thu, Jul/27/2006)


RIVERSIDE — After a lengthy debate, the Township Committee last night unanimously approved a controversial ordinance that will punish anyone who employs or rents housing to illegal immigrants.

More than 500 turned out for the public hearing on the ordinance, prompting the committee to move the meeting from the municipal building to the auditorium at Riverside High School.

Mayor Charles Hilton said the influx of the illegal immigrants has led to overcrowding in housing units and schools, has created additional demands in all areas of public safety and diminished the overall quality of life of legal residents.

“The township cannot rely on the immigration services to deal with the difficulties in the township on a day-to-day basis,” Hilton said.

The meeting was raucous from the start.

Police Chief Paul Tursi had to step in at one point to tell the audience that continued outbursts would result in removal of audience members.

Resident Steve Edwards immediately stood to complain about the length of time given to the Rev. Miguel Rivera, leader of National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders, who led a protest against the ordinance Monday in Riverside.

Edwards was then escorted out by police.

“I'm not against Brazilians. I just have a problem with illegals,” Edwards said outside the meeting.

Under the ordinance an illegal alien would be prohibited from leasing or renting property in town. Any property owner, renter, tenant or lessee who knowingly allowed an illegal alien to use, rent or lease property would be in violation and could be fined $1,000 or more.

Business owners who hire or attempt to hire illegal immigrants, or anyone who sets up a day-labor center also would be in violation.

Businesses headquartered in Riverside or elsewhere found in violation, would be subject to the fines and denied business permits, renewal of business permits, township contracts or grants for not less than five years from the time of the last offense.

For years, many residents have complained to township officials about the number of illegal immigrants from Brazil who have made Riverside their home.

The majority of those in attendance were in favor of the ordinance.

“For those who are here legally, you are welcome,” resident Harry Allcroft said.

However, several members of the audience objected to the ordinance, claiming it would only subject immigrants to racial profiling.

“I've lived in England and France. I'm Brazilian and I'm proud of it. I want to be an American, so don't kill people's dreams. You don't have to discriminate against people to enforce (housing codes),” said resident Ronaldo Empke.

The vote came just two days after Rivera and members of National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders and other supporters held a prayer vigil outside Town Hall to protest the new ordinance.

Rivera said the ordinance is “clearly anti-immigrant and discriminates against Latinos ... and would only be enforceable by adopting racial profiling.”

He said the passage of the law will turn business owners and landlords into “de facto immigration agents.”

Rivera and others attending the vigil Monday said they want immigration reform, but at the federal level.

E-mail: TODD MCHALE


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