Neb. city suspends immigration law, goes to court

statesman.com ^ | Updated: 6:07 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2010 | MARGERY A. BECK

[Bad~Rodeo]

FREMONT, Neb. — A Nebraska city suspended its voter-approved ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants, but opponents still want a federal judge to block the ordinance until all legal fights are resolved.

Groups challenging the ordinance are expected in court Wednesday, a day after the Fremont City Council voted to suspended the ban. City officials said delaying the ordinance would save the city money as it fights lawsuits filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska and the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund.

The groups, which call the ban discriminatory, along with attorneys for the city will ask a federal judge to block the ordinance pending a final court resolution, the ACLU said in a statement after Tuesday's vote.

"We're relieved that the Fremont City Council will suspend this discriminatory ordinance while it's being litigated," said Amy Miller, the ACLU of Nebraska's legal director. "It was a responsible decision that will spare residents of Fremont from worrying about losing housing and jobs because of their appearance and accent pending a final resolution by the court."

The ordinance has put Fremont on the list with Arizona and other places in the national debate over immigration regulations.The city council voted 8-0 to delay the ban at a meeting late Tuesday that attracted about 100 people, and some told council members that the ordinance has already led to divisiveness.

"This law is not yet in effect, but it is increasing conflict and discrimination," Lesley Velez, 20, of Fremont said.

But others said the council shouldn't second-guess voters.

"The citizens of Fremont have spoken. We should not delay this," said Terry Flanagan, a Fremont resident who supports the ban.

The council narrowly rejected the ban in 2008, prompting supporters to gather enough signatures for the ballot

[Mr. K]

I bet the people there are wondering what in the hell they have to do to enforce the laws of the USA

[VRW Conspirator]

Sometime in the near future, it will be demonstrated that the illegal invasion has cost and will cost Americans jobs, taxes, and yes, even blood. THis is the fear of the invaders.