Thread: WI-Housing proposal provides protection for illegals

Housing proposal provides protection for undocumented immigrants

Landlords in Dane County would no longer be allowed to require Social Security numbers on rental applications
By Jason Fischer, Staff Writer
Monday, September 22, 2008


Landlords in Dane County could no longer ask prospective tenants for a Social Security number on rental applications under a proposal now being considered by the County Board. The rule is part of a broader housing rights package.

"A Social Security number should only be used when absolutely necessary," says Sup. Paul Rusk, one of the authors of the ordinance. "You can get a solid credit report without a Social Security number."

This is the second time this ordinance has been considered. The County Board passed it last fall. County Executive Kathleen Falk vetoed it two weeks later because she said it repealed protections for renters who use federal housing assistance vouchers, known as Section 8. Rusk says that loophole has now been fixed.

Some landlords last fall said that the proposal unfairly protects undocumented immigrants.

"Not necessarily," Rusk told News/Talk 1310 WIBA last week. "You can have a Social Security number and be here illegally. There are many people here illegally with Social Security numbers. That is not an issue."

Still, advocates for the proposal, including some County Board members issued press releases last fall noting the proposal's protections for undocumented immigrants.

"The Fair Housing Package includes sweeping reforms intended to actually protect the rights of marginalized people and hold unscrupulous landlords accountable," Sup. Ashok Kumar said last fall. Kumar did not seek re-election in the spring.

The ordinance also prohibits landlords from discriminating against people with criminal records, provided they can pay rent. Landlords could only turn away registered sex offenders or people who have been out of prison for less than two years, according to Rusk.

The proposal also protects transgendered people from discrimination.

"We are updating our fair housing laws to be consistent with recent court decisions," Rusk says. "County lawyers would have more power to hold landlords accountable."

Under the ordinance, landlords would be fined $10,000 for the first offense, $25,000 for the second offense, and $50,000 for the third offense.

The proposal still has to go through several committees before coming to the County Board for final action. It is not clear if Falk would sign the legislation, if it makes it to her desk.

Dane County would be the first in the state and the second place in the nation to expand housing rights to undocumented immigrants, according to the Immigrant Workers Union.


http://www.wiba.com/cc-common/news/sect ... le=4274875

Landlords can asked for the tenant's employer name, correct.

So require tenant or landlords to furnish who employs tenant.

Then require all employers to E-Verify.

So then the employer and landlord buddy system is broken.

Put penalties on employers.
__________________________________________________ ______

Here are toll free numbers for the Capitol Switch Board:
to the US Capitol: 877-851-6437; 866-220-0044; 800-417-7666; 866-340-9281

Originally Posted by vmonkey56

Related post on I-9s:

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-131673-i9s.html
__________________________________________

Call Senators and Congress:

1) Extend E-Verify runs out the first of November.

2) No to the Bailout for AIG; we did not bailout ENRON.

Call Switchboard number below to reach your elected officials:

202-224-3121

Do you have an 800 number?