Nebraska town of Fremont approves ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants

Nebraska town of Fremont approves ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants

On Monday, about 57 percent of the voters in Fremont, Nebraska chose to ban the hiring or renting of property to illegal immigrants. According to the Associated Press, this is the latest in a number of immigration regulations that communities around the country have adopted.

The AP reports that the small town has seen a rise in its Hispanic population due to the local Fremont Beef and Hormel meatpacking plants. Despite its extremely low unemployment rate, those in Fremont fear their jobs are going to illegal immigrants who they believe may “drain community resources.”

The measure will require a license to rent prior to being allowed to rent property. Part of the application process will force Fremont officials to check immigration status. If an individual is found to be an illegal immigrant, that person will be unable to obtain a license to rent. In addition, the regulation will require employers to check a federal database -- E-Verify -- to ensure all workers are in the country legally.

Those who support the measure, such as Trevor McClurg, say its fair because it only targets those who are in the country illegally. “I don’t think it’s right to be able to rent to them or hire them… They shouldn’t be here in the first place,” said McClurg.

Another Fremont resident, Clint Walraven said the regulation has nothing to with race or racism as some believe. “We all have to play by the same rules… If you want to stay here, get legal,” he said.

Those against the ban such as Rachel Fleming argue that “This country was founded on waves of immigration… I just think it’s [the ordinance] contrary to the spirit of the country.”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska plans to sue to ensure the measure is not enacted. “Our goal would be to bring an action to ensure that there is not even one day that the law can go into effect,” said Amy Miller, the ACLU of Nebraska’s legal director.

The AP reports that before the ordinance becomes law, it must be certified by the Dodge County election commissioner, and then be approved by the City Council.

To watch breaking news and events streamed live over the Net, click here.

For crime news, click here.

For tabloid headlines, click here.

Get the latest U.S. headline news delivered straight to your inbox. Just click the SUBSCRIBE button located above the article. (You'll never be sent anything you didn't ask for and your information won't be shared with anyone.)