City's illegal immigration law add red tape to businesses

Rochester Post-Bulletin ^ | February 22, 2012 | By Josh Funk and Margery A. Beck

[Oldeconomybuyer]

FREMONT, Neb. — A Nebraska city's attempt to fight illegal immigration with a newly court-approved ordinance appears likely to be more of an inconvenience for legal residents than a deterrent to illegal immigrants.

Backers of Fremont's voter-approved measure say they're still glad a federal judge signed off on most of the ordinance's provisions Monday because it represents at least some progress.

The judge said Fremont can require companies to use the free federal E-Verify system to verify the citizenship status of people they hire. It can also require potential renters to swear they are legal residents and pay $5 to obtain a renting permit. But the city won't be able to revoke the rental permits if applicants are found to be illegal immigrants.

"It's better than nothing," said John Wigert, who helped collect petition signatures to get the measure on the ballot. "Is it going to solve everything? Probably not. I guess something is better than nothing."

At least one store owner expected the judge's ruling to rekindle the firestorm of 20 months ago that saw racial tensions in the city rise.

"This is going to be a ghost town if they keep pushing this ordinance," said Alfredo Velez, who owns Tienda Mexicana Guerrero, which sells food and other products from Mexico and Central America. "That ordinance is not about illegal (immigrants). It's about race. The people behind it don't want Hispanics here."

Velez also said he was willing to move his store if his business is hurt.

[org.whodat]

Hay velez, mexican is not a race.