More racism from Farmers Branch, TX

Farmers Branch bans illegal immigrants from renting houses

Houses added to ban for illegal migrants; foes say courts will step in again


12:06 AM CST on Wednesday, January 23, 2008
By STEPHANIE SANDOVAL / The Dallas Morning News
ssandoval@dallasnews.com

FARMERS BRANCH – City officials whose previous attempts to keep out illegal immigrants have been blocked by the courts took another shot Tuesday, adopting an ordinance that would not only ban them from renting apartments but also from renting houses.

The City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2952, which would require all renters to pay a $5 fee and claim U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status to obtain an occupancy license from the city.

About 40 people spoke during the roughly two-hour meeting, with a slight majority in favor of the ordinance.

"We've got to put a sword in the sand sometime, and I think this is it," resident Dale Cotton said.

Supporters said that while the ordinance may not resolve the illegal immigration issue, it's a step in the right direction. And some, led by council member Jim Smith, said they'd like to see the city also go after employers who hire illegal workers.

But opponents said they believe the law will also get hung up in the courts and ultimately be found unconstitutional. Others said the licensing process will cause potential renters to move to other cities and cause financial losses for property owners.

Jay Parmelee, vice president for Lincoln Property Co., said he was representing the owners of Prairie Crossing, a new 350-unit apartment complex under construction off Sigma and Midway roads. They worry that the rental laws will hurt their business and fear that they won't be able to recover their investment, he said.

Other opponents said the city should spend money on redevelopment efforts and other programs rather than fighting lawsuits against the illegal immigration efforts. The city has spent almost $728,000 in court costs and other related expenditures over previous ordinances, while donors have given $41,566 to the city's legal defense fund, city Finance Director Charles Cox said Tuesday.








http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/yahoolatestnews/stories/012308dnmetfbrentals.2c1fcca.html?npc

Citizenship is a Federal law. You can't ask local cops or local citizens to enforce Federal law. That's what these anti-illegal immigrant laws bump up against. Jurisdiction.

Much ado about nada.