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ACLU, other groups vow to challenge Palm Bay's illegal immigrant ordinance
Orlando Business Journal - 8:14 AM EDT Thursday

The American Civil Liberties Union, Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges sent a letter to the city of Palm Bay Tuesday opposing two illegal immigrant ordinances the Palm Bay City Council will vote on Aug. 17.

Neither the Palm Bay city manager nor city attorney were immediately available for comment.

The proposed legislation seeks to level the playing field for construction companies unable to compete with firms that hire low-wage, illegal workers. It would fine businesses that hire illegal immigrants $500 for each violation and keep them from seeking city contracts for two years. Third-time offenders would be permanently barred from doing business with the city.

Council members approved the measures on first reading in a 4-1 vote, with Mayor John Mazziotti dissenting.

But if the council approves the ordinances on second reading, the ACLU, advocacy groups and the law firm say they will challenge the laws in court on behalf of Palm Bay residents.

Kevin Aplin of the ACLU of Florida's Brevard chapter contends they discriminate against immigrants and fail to protect the community.

"Employers who fear retribution for hiring undocumented workers -- even if they are unaware of their citizenship status -- may begin to discriminate to avoid potential legal complications," he says in a release. "The city is creating a a situation that hurts everyone and helps no one."

Further, the ACLU and its allies say the law intrudes on the federal government's power to regulate immigration and enforce immigration laws and would be struck down in court.