Escondido, CA: Law stops renting to illegal immigrants

[Jill1228]

Ya think this is gonna be enforced? Ain't gonna happen
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061019/...grants_housing


City leaders have approved an ordinance prohibiting landlords from renting to illegal immigrants, the latest in one of many efforts by local governments across the country to crack down on undocumented workers.

More than 100 police officers and sheriff's deputies in riot gear were on hand for the 3-2 vote Wednesday. After the measure was approved, one person ran outside the council chamber and yelled, "The USA wins!" prompting opponents and supporters gathered on the lawn to shout at each other for 30 minutes. Police said no arrests were made.

The American Civil Liberties Union has indicated it will go to court to block implementation of the ordinance, set to take effect Nov. 18.

Councilman Sam Abed, who supported the measure, said it will improve the city's image and reputation, "and certainly our quality of life."

Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler and Councilman Ron Newman, the two no votes, said the ordinance would create new problems for Escondido, a city 30 miles northwest of San Diego. Hispanics make up 42 percent of Escondido's 142,000 residents.

Pfeiler said everyone agrees illegal immigration is a problem, but the ordinance "is going to have neighbor against neighbor."

Under the law, landlords will be required to submit documentation of their tenants' immigration status to the city, which will then submit the information to the federal government for verification.

If tenants are found to be illegal immigrants, landlords would be given 10 days to evict them or face suspension of their business license. Repeat offenders could face misdemeanor charges and fines.

Recent national scrutiny of immigration policy has led to similar proposals around the nation.

Earlier this year in Pennsylvania, the city of Hazleton passed legislation that would punish businesses that employ illegal immigrants and landlords who rent to them. The community of Riverhead on New York's Long Island passed a similar law in September.

In San Bernardino, Calif., an attempt to present such a measure to voters was dismissed by the courts in June. And in Florida this summer, ordinances were voted down by city councils in Avon Park and Palm Bay.