Illegal Immigrant Law Passes, Now What?

[The Mediator]

Illegal Immigrant Law Passes, Now What?
Reaction to Monday's vote and its implications
An ordinance to ban the hiring of or renting to illegal immigrants is moving forward. It was approved by a thousand votes, a 14% margin, in a special election with 45% voter turnout.
An ordinance to ban the hiring of or renting to illegal immigrants is moving forward. It was approved by a thousand votes, a 14% margin, in a special election with 45% voter turnout.
Communities within 19 other states have attempted similar legislation, and all have failed to move forward. Cities in two states, Texas and Pennsylvania, are still waiting on appeals.
With Fremont, Nebraska becomes the 20th state in which communities are trying to crack down on illegal immigrants. Its newly passed ordinance will face court challenges.
The A.C.L.U. is already trying to get a lawsuit filed as soon as possible, said Nebraska’s Executive Director Laura Marsh. “If this law goes into effect, it will cause discrimination and racial profiling against Latinos and others who appear to be foreign born, including U.S. citizens.”
She added, “Not only do local ordinances such as this violate federal law, they are also completely out of step with American values of fairness and equality.”
If the law does succeed locally, it will be a first, and the implications seem to have divided the community of 25,000.
At one of several Hispanic-owned businesses in downtown Fremont, the result of Monday's vote is still sinking in. “Well right now, every body's just a little shocked about this you know. We didn't expect to lose this vote, said Carlos Cano, of International Bakery, Inc.
With a 75% Mexican clientele, his family’s bakery is bracing for a potentially devastating loss of business. Co-owner Mayra Gonzalez said they may be forced to move to Omaha, and focus on her parents’ bakery.
At another Main St. business, Sportsman’s Pub, a sign reading, "Welcome to America. Now, speak English," graces the window. Inside, customer Randy Christensen called the vote a step in the right direction. "We've got a lot of Mexicans in town and they work all over, but like I said, get legal. That's the big thing. Pay your taxes like everybody else."
But the ordinance will require higher taxes to help pay for added enforcement and legal challenges. Estimated costs in the ordinance’s first year alone are $1 million.
Said Governor Dave Heineman, “I understand the frustration in Fremont. I've seen it in our state. Clearly it exists in Arizona. But it exists all across America because the federal government isn't doing their job." He said there’s a clear need for better enforcement along the border, as well as a smoother legal process to become a U.S. citizen.
The unicameral is expected to take up immigration reform, on a state level, next session, with Fremont State Senator Charlie Janssen taking the lead. "Right now, we're going to draw it up, draw something up. I guess we have Arizona to look at in terms of what we should or should not do. If we do something, we want to make sure it's a legally sound and defensible bill."
But some, like Canos, worry the weight of the ordinance will hurt Fremont, driving immigrants away, no matter their legal status. "Most of them probably will begin to leave because they won't feel wanted anymore. And that will affect a lot of the businesses here."
The Dodge County Election Commissioner plans to have the votes canvassed by Monday. The City Council then must certify the results. At that point, the ordinance can be published, taking effect 15 days later.
http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/9...4.html?ref=864