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Fremont should drop immigration effort

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Monday, Jul 28, 2008 - 12:51:47 am CDT

The city of Fremont ought to drop its attempt to take immigration enforcement into its own hands.

    By law and by any practical standard, that task is best left to the federal government.

Trying to take over on the local level will drive an emotionally divisive wedge into the community, generate red tape and other problems for local businesses, quite possibly propel city government into costly legal battles and lead to unneeded law enforcement costs.

Fremont City Council member Bob Warner said his proposed ordinance is a response to the federal government’s failure to enforce its own immigration law. “Our elected officials in Washington either have no idea what’s going on in the country with illegals or they just don’t care,” Warner said in a column published in the Fremont Tribune. “They are too busy on the campaign trail wooing voters and not caring what they promise to get the votes.”

The proposed law would require all renters to get an occupation license and would make it illegal to rent an apartment to an illegal immigrant. It also would make it illegal to hire illegal immigrants.

A clear indication that the Fremont city government is veering into rocky legal terrain came this past week from Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning.

Certainly no defender of illegal immigration, Bruning said that he stands by a 1997 opinion by then-Attorney General Don Stenberg that federal law pre-empts any state or local attempts to fine or penalize businesses that hire illegal immigrants.

Fremont’s own city attorney, Dean Skokan, has warned the council that passage of the ordinance would probably mean the city would have to defend itself in a lawsuit.

Fremont landlord Steve Dahl has told the council that it would create problems for his business and noted that the ordinance targets Hispanics. Norm Pflanz of the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest said the proposal will fuel discrimination against people who look or sound foreign.

There’s little doubt that Warner has been encouraged by hot-blooded opponents of illegal immigration. Warner has become a minor media celebrity, granting interviews to out-of-state media. Supporters booed and jeered opponents at a council meeting.

This energy is misdirected. If the Fremont City Council doesn’t like the way the federal government is enforcing immigration law, then it should put pressure on Congress and the administration.

Trying to handle the job at the local level will merely create more problems.


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Ronald Reagan wrote on July 28, 2008 1:38 am:
" Fremont should NOT relent. ..do not stop enforcing the laws and lets get rid if this scourge on our society. Time for all illegals to GO. . . NOW. "
Late ODay wrote on July 28, 2008 4:50 am:
" You guys just don't get it, do you? This isn't about immigrants. It's about scapegoating. As long as there are enough stupid people hypnotized by Rush, Sean (and whatever other Rightwing blow-hole you wanna name) into believing that immigrants are the root of all their social ills, then the Fremont City Council doesn't have to address the mess they have made of the city. Fremonters need to send some of the long-term and entrenched good ol' boys back to the private sector. "
whatever wrote on July 28, 2008 5:07 am:
" Pressure has been put on the Federal Government yet nothing is done. When nothing is done regarding an issue citizens are concerned about they are ethically bound to take matters in there own hands, that's how things get done. "
Ray-J wrote on July 28, 2008 6:07 am:
" To ignore an issue because it will create problems is just another way of saying, go ahead, do what you want we won't stop you.
Our health and social systems are on the verge of bankurpcy partially due to illegals and there are those who feel it isn't worth doing something about. "
Okie wrote on July 28, 2008 6:22 am:
" "Supporters booed and jeered opponents at a council meeting." What happened to those nice, Midwestern manners? Nebraskans, stop with your foolish moralism and hypocrisy. "
what about wrote on July 28, 2008 7:57 am:
" Oh really? I guess I didn't realize that illigeal immigrants were the cause of social security and medicare/medicade being stretched to the limit! I thought that it was because of the massive number of people retiring the squeeze on poverty level working class using the programs! Thanks for clearing that up for me....(FYI...done with heavy sarcasm) "
Grundle wrote on July 28, 2008 9:00 am:
" When the federal government refuses to do its job, what are states and municipalities to do? How are we supposed to teach our kids to respect the law when our own government displays absolute contempt for the law? Whether or not illegals are the root of social ills, or whether or not illegals are depleting our social programs...the fact of the matter is that they are, first and foremost, illegal. Renting to them should be illegal, and employing to them already is illegal...but the private sector also lacks respect for the law in the absence of meaningful enforcement.

Oh, I'd like to thank Okie for reminding us that booing and jeering is only acceptable for the political left. "
You know wrote on July 28, 2008 9:01 am:
" a lot of towns from other states have done the same thing. The federal government won't enforce it's own laws because it will take some votes from the elected officials. The state I live in has laws that allow the state patrol to act as INS agents and have heavy fines for those employers breaking the law. A lot of towns have done the same as Fremont and it's helped. I'm glad to see towns do this and I agree totally with ronald reagan. I just can't understand why some people cannot get it. THEY ARE ILLEGAL, AND THEY NEED TO GO HOME. Quit protecting ILLEGALS!!!. If they want to come here do it legally. It's an insult to the ones who have taken the time to become LEGAL citizens. "
bruce wrote on July 28, 2008 9:02 am:
" yes just sit back and do nothing that is how it got this way. "
Sean wrote on July 28, 2008 9:14 am:
" If you are an illegal immigrant you are BREAKING THE LAW. The law is only as good as those who enforce it and so far the Federal government has refused to do so.
LJS has blithely ignored the recent murder of three people in San Francisco (a safe haven city) by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador with an AK-47(likely an MS13 member). The LJS should send a copy of this editorial to the wife and mother of those three men so she can better understand how any type of enforcement, local or otherwise is a waste of time and resources.

Wer'e all paying a heavy price to provide slave labor for corporate farms and meat packing plants. "
Sorry wrote on July 28, 2008 9:38 am:
" But you are no Ronald Reagan. He was a law and order man, true, but consider this quote from his signing ceremony of the Immigration Reform and Control Act: "We have consistently supported a legalization program which is both generous to the alien and fair to the countless thousands of people throughout the world who seek legally to come to America. The legalization provisions in this act will go far to improve the lives of a class of individuals who now must hide in the shadows, without access to many of the benefits of a free and open society. Very soon many of these men and women will be able to step into the sunlight and, ultimately, if they choose, they may become Americans."
He supported what you would probably refer to as Amnesty.
And he would never be so mindless in his words as to refer to illegal immigrants as a scourge on society. "
Jimbo wrote on July 28, 2008 11:34 am:
" Illegal is Illegal no matter where it occurs. It should be noted that all companies that employ illegals should be taken to court, fined, thrown out of business, and the owners put into jail. And to imagine that they say that americans don't want to do the work. Bull!! "
Contracts wrote on July 28, 2008 12:20 pm:
" When ILLEGAL immigrants sign employment contracts or leases with landlords, those LEGAL DOCUMENTS are invalid and unenforceable. Property owners are left high and dry with no recourse, and the illegal immigrants have no consequences. As much as some people want to protect illegal immigrants, some legal citizens and property owners of our society have rights to better legal protection. Things are accomplished better and faster at the local level, not the federal level. "
OMG wrote on July 28, 2008 12:24 pm:
" And just how many of your ancestors were here illegally at one time people???? Some of these people are up here doing the jobs you won't do because you're too lazy to get off the system and give up your foodstamps. Please, take a look around you...we're supposed to be the land of the free...even here in Nebraska. "
Dustin S. wrote on July 28, 2008 12:27 pm:
" First of all, the writer should take credit for this "letter" simply based on opinion so that those who read it can address them properly. Not doing so just shows a person hiding behind vague words and phrases. Second, huge changes in ideals and legislation always start small in local and city governments, then move to the state and finally federal governments. It has been known throughout history that you can't change the big picture until you make little changes (all huge social issues from voting rights, civil rights and now marriage/union rights today)- and Norfolk is just one city in hundreds that are trying to do so regarding illegal immigration policy.

Thus, this letter is ridiculous from start to finish and is based on nothing but an uneducated opinion. "
Karma wrote on July 28, 2008 12:40 pm:
" I'd bet my lunch money that Native Americans had this exact debate here in Nebraska about 170 years ago... Karma... "
Grundle wrote on July 28, 2008 12:42 pm:
" I don't believe that all illegal immigrants are a scourge on society, but I believe the illegal-immigrant gang members that were picked up in Omaha this weekend would probably qualify. "
Fremonter wrote on July 28, 2008 12:45 pm:
" As a born and raised Fremonter, I am proud to see that my hometown is taking a stand for what it believes in. Fremonters have never been the kind of people who will be pushed around or bullied. They are hardworking laborers that vehemently stand up for themselves, no matter the cost. To Sorry, you missed a valuable word in Pres. Reagan's quote...LEGAL! Pres. Regan did not say, "hey everybody, c'mon in we won't really enforce our laws." This is the biggest part of the immigration problem. America is built on immigration, and Americans are proud of our diversity. But without law there is anarchy. Legally, each town has the right to enforce city law. When something is being done illegally, there are consequences. Regardless of who you are or where you come from. "
Lindsay wrote on July 28, 2008 1:03 pm:
" How interesting the supporters of this never mention that perhaps the companies that hire illegal immigrants should be fined. Why does no one ask why the company is not doing proper background checks or hire locally? I guess that would be punishing the white owners of the company and who would want to do that when we have "brown people" to perseute!

I don't think that this so called ordinance would stop illegal immigrants from moving there at all. Who exactly is going to check and make sure these people are truly illegal? I would expect to see a rise of hispanic immigrants moving into the small towns outside of Fremont instead of truly frustrating them enough they just go back across the border! "
Kay from Fremont wrote on July 28, 2008 1:44 pm:
" There should be no grey areas.....if anyone is here illegally, they should not be hired or given residency. It is when this LAW is broken that causes problems for cities and law makers down the road. "
Concerned Reader wrote on July 28, 2008 1:50 pm:
" Before the LJS can come out against the Fremont City Council they should have an editorial column pressing the Federal Goverment to enforce the current immigration laws. The lack of response by our Federal Government does not allow any person, group or business the right to not enforce current law or come out against it. Give the Fremont City Coucil credit for takling such an issue. Maybe the title of this editiroal should read: Right or Wrong Fremont City Council Tackles Tough Issue. I would also like the LJS to expand on the "problems" that come from this policy. Is it LJS position that enforcing certain laws create problems? Encouraging government to only enforce those laws that in the eyes of goverment see beneficial will continue to erode the power of the voters. "
Mike the Realist wrote on July 28, 2008 2:01 pm:
" While I agree that this is something that is best left to the federal government, it's blatantly obvious that the federal government is either unwilling or incapable -- probably both -- at getting the job done. Thus, it falls upon the lower levels of government to protect the laws of the land and the people who live by them. And this just in -- that group of people DOES NOT INCLUDE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. I don't know what part of the word "ILLEGAL" you bleeding heart pro-immigrant folks don't seem to grasp, but the bottom line is that ILLEGAL immigrants are lawbreakers and need to shipped back from whence they came. "
Gary Sather wrote on July 28, 2008 2:18 pm:
" This is no different than the bigotry faced by the Chinese, Italians, Japanese, Irish, Norwegians, Poles, Russians, Jews, Arabs, and Eastern Europeans, not to mention the descendants of African slaves or American Indians. It is always the same . . . "They don't talk like us," or "They don't look like us," or "They worship a different God." It sure is simple to paint yourself red, white, and blue and then push for a law that so obviously discriminates against people because of their race and their language. If a community is willing to accept the labor of these people, than it must accept these people as part of the community. "
Roger wrote on July 28, 2008 2:20 pm:
" Dustin - This letter is called an "Editorial", meaning it's an OPINION of the LJS editorial staff. That's why it would be in the OPINION section of the printed LJS. Wow, speaking of uneducated, nothing like the kettle calling the pot black, is there? "
Sorry Fremonter wrote on July 28, 2008 2:42 pm:
" I didn't miss the word LEGAL, I put it in there. I am not pro illegal immigration but commentor 1 labeled him/herself Ronald Reagan and then scourged the man's name by the comment left behind. That kind of no-thought rhetoric will never solve the problem.

Bottom line is Reagan, the darling of conservatives everywhere, supported amnesty. McCain, and then Bush, were vilified for supporting it.

And the biggest problem with illegal immigration isn't non enforcement of laws. It's the lack of reform from Congress. INS agents around the country are waiting for clarity and congruency in policy and law because right now there is none. That's why the recent bill was introduced into Congress. Until reform happens, they aren't going to enforce federal laws that are not in line with federal policies. I'm not saying it's right, but conservatives who were largely responsiblef for killing the bill need to see where the amnesty argument has its roots: one of their own. "
hicks wrote on July 28, 2008 2:42 pm:
" The real problem with all of this is, most all of you think that you can spot an 'illegal' just by looking at them, and you therefore judge and treat them poorly, whether on the spot, behinds their backs or on the internet under the article in the Journal-Star. So many big judgements are made about these people, and the ones making them don't think they're backwoods. That's the really fascinating part. "
Teresa wrote on July 28, 2008 3:28 pm:
" Make them legal, then no one will have problems with them. The reason we have problems with them now is because THEY ARE HERE ILLEGALLY and that needs to stop. I don't care whose business it will hurt, if you want them here that made, file the correct legal papers for them and help them pay for their expenses to file the papers. "
Tzi wrote on July 28, 2008 4:03 pm:
" ...the Feds aren't doing anything. Bush wants to make them all legal and Congress agrees with that idea - so immigration enforcement's hands are pretty much tied.

Meanwhile average people at the street level are tired of illegals. Not because they're racist, sexist, homophobes - but because they're tired of smug PC protected groups ignoring our laws, using our services (that they don't pay for), getting away with committing serious crimes, demanding that we conform to their way of life and dragging strange diseases across our borders.

So people at the local level are taking it in to their own hands (both ways.) For every Fremont Nebraska there is a "Sancutary City".

And I love how the elites that make up our National/State governments, sit at our college campi and media outlets tell us to just ignore the problem instead of demanding it be fixed. "
Corbonj wrote on July 28, 2008 4:06 pm:
" To all who think that illegal aliens (not just those from South America) are doing nothing wrong, how would you feel if Police, Government, others felt that selective or total lack of enforcement of other laws was fine. Would you be fine with selective enforcement of Murder?, Rape?, Terrorism? If we can't enforce (or are unwilling to enforce) the law where do we draw the line? An I-9 has been required for as long as i can remember which is to insure a persons Imigration status prior to employment, and those without proper identification are NOT elligble for hire. I do realize that people from all over the world either come to or try to come to the United States. The ones who deserve our help and respect are those that go thru the proper channels and trouble to do it the right way, the rest should be treated for what they are, a common criminal. "
Brian wrote on July 28, 2008 5:00 pm:
" I'm glad Fremont is doing this. I hope the legal citizens of Fremont are able to protect their town from the illegal invaders. "
gunfighter wrote on July 28, 2008 6:05 pm:
" Let's put a name on this editorial, is'nt that standard practice or would this be the opinion of the entire LJS staff.

Three cheers Fremont, our inept federal government not only will not enforce the laws, they tried to ramrod a piece of legislation thru that 80% of Americans were against. Same thing is happening with gay marriage, stand up and fight this BS. "
Grumble wrote on July 28, 2008 6:45 pm:
" This stuff is just another lonely set of politicians or would-be politicians grandstanding to all the conservative racists in the area who might vote. Immigration is exclusive to the federal government by the constitution and the so-called "Illegal" immigrants are breaking a law that is somewhat akin to Jay Walking. Its a CIVIL law they break people! NOT a CRIMINAL law. Get over it. These are people who work much harder than any Nebraskan I have observed.They are only trying to be immigrants like your great grand parent were who came here illegally against the American Indian. I am sick of this junk about what part of Illegal do you not understand? It is illegal to try to take a federal law into your own hands as a municipality! Scream about that one, folks! "
Zoomie wrote on July 28, 2008 8:23 pm:
" I see all the comments about "what part of illegal don't you understand" and I have to wonder...what part of immigration laws do you people even have a clue about? One reason so few communities actually get into the business of immigration enforcement is because it is NOT a criminal act to be here illegally. You can't send someone to jail for it, or prison, and police exist primarily to enforece criminal law, not commercial (tort) laws. You pick them up, the worst you can do to them is send them home. That's it. And the Constitution is pretty clear border law is a Federal province, not state or local. Oh, and about them "costing" us so much? Only two studies have ever been done on this issue, by California and Texas. Both concluded illegals pay in more in taxes to their states than they take out in services! In fact, the TX Comptroller concluded loss of illegals would, in the end, cost the state over $1 billion per year in lost revenue AFTER expenses not paid out! And dispite the whines and cries of Lou Dobbs and Rush, Federal crime statistics show illegals are generally MORE law abiding than our own native citizens. "
The Omega Man wrote on July 28, 2008 8:36 pm:
" So tiresome the "American Indian" argument. Most "experts" agree the American Indian migrated here from Asia. Surely there were other "native" people they displaced. And actually there is evidence there was extermination of pre "Native American" cultures. The real issue here isn't so much immigration but Law and Order, or lack there of. Calling people "racist" at the drop of a hat doesn't advance resolution. Ignoring the problem and doing nothing as the Journal Star advocates is a road to nowhere as well. People are at there wits end with a Federal Government filled with political hacks like Bush, Hagel, Fortenberry, Smith, Terry, Johanns and so on that DO NOTHING but try to advance their own political career at the expense of a formerly great country. "
Bubba wrote on July 29, 2008 6:28 am:
" How dare Fremont plan on taking actions into their own hands. That would be like some cities making their boundries santuaries to spite the federal government. Oops, they already have. "
truth wrote on July 29, 2008 8:44 am:
" This bill is an answer looking for a problem.Give it a rest Fremonters. "
Huskie wrote on July 29, 2008 11:03 am:
" Fremont is doing the right thing. Enforce the law, get rid of illegals and force them to come in the correct way. Shame on the LJS for hiding behind the 'editor' signature for this article. Put a name on it - or is the opinion of everyone at the LJS? "
Dustin S. wrote on July 29, 2008 2:15 pm:
" Roger: Thanks Captain Obvious for pointing out an editorial is written by the editorial staff. However, in the end, one person writes it and those who stand behind these words within the staff should have there individual names placed properly within the editorial. Or, just continue to hide behind the word "editorial" for vague opinions. "
Supercede wrote on July 29, 2008 5:00 pm:
" I still contend that this will sting Nebraskans and Fremont in the long run. This is the province of the Federal Government. Have they failed, sure in a lot of ways they have failed to follow the law of immigration. Why? Why are we so backlogged with immigration requests and That it takes YEARS to become a citizen of the United States.

What ever happened to the Work program that was in place in this country during the late 50's and was still used by employers in the late 60's. It allowed workers from other countries (All) to come to the United States, pay taxes, get insurance to drive a vehicle, and an international licence. If they decided to become citizens, barring any criminal activity they were allow the process, that didn't taken 10 years to complete.

Guest programs were used in the fields of farmers for many generations. They came to work during the summer and went home during the winter (I can't blame them with these Nebraska winters LOL)

Even if they are illegal they are paying taxes still now, sales tax, they spend money at local stores and some who obtain illegal social security cards are even paying into that system, and the Unemployment system, which they never collect.

What we need and what we will get will not happen overnight, it won't be easy for anyone. A dialogue between Mexico Federalism and the United States MUST happen first. Bush dropped the ball here. He had a opportunity to change the way we deal with Mexico. He speaks spanish(allegely) he could have gone to Mexico and stated in no certain terms that things MUST change.
Secondly, Employers in THIS country must be taught that they can no longer exploit illegal immigrants. Employers use Illegals because they can pay them less. Illegals will work for that because the pay is 10 times what they can get in Mexico!
I don't know anyone who wouldn't jump at the chance of making 10 times the current salary they make! "
About Time wrote on July 29, 2008 5:39 pm:
" I hope this ordinance passes. It is going to take laws like this to get the rest of the country to actually MOVE and do something about the growing problem with illegal immigrants. I will vote for any laws that can be passed to get illegals out of our country. I think it's ridiculous that so many people are against this. If your neighbor was stealing cars, would that be okay? Or if he was selling drugs....would it be ok to just let him do it? It's the same thing, these people are in our country ILLEGALLY, they are breaking the law, time for them to go back to where they came from. "
time About wrote on July 29, 2008 7:45 pm:
" A call to arms folks. would you let someone Jay walk and let them get away with it! would you REALLY let someone tear the label off the mattress without jail time? Are you going to let these Illegal immigrants stay? Would you NOT call the police if your neighbors dog trespassed on your lawn? What part of ILLEGAL do you people not understand?? (cough) "

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