Immigrant Rental Ban Comes Up For Vote

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ESCONDIDO, Calif. -- A new front in the debate over illegal immigration opens up Wednesday night in Escondido.

City Council members are expected to vote on a proposal that prohibits landlords from renting to illegal immigrants. The proposed ordinance would require landlords to submit documentation of their tenants' immigration status to the city, which would then verify the information with the federal government.

Landlords found renting to illegal immigrants could lose their business licenses or face misdemeanor charges.

El Grupo de San Diego, a coalition of Latino civil rights activists, protested the proposed law Tuesday night with a march to City Hall and a candlelight vigil. Members of the anti-illegal immigration group the Minutemen said they plan to gather outside City Hall for the vote Wednesday.

Escondido police officials said they would have additional security outside City Hall for the meeting.