Nebraska town proposes occupancy license aimed at immigration

"A proposed law aimed at banishing illegal immigrants from Fremont, Neb., would require every renter ?whether they were born in the United States or immigrated here ? to obtain an occupancy license through the city. The proposal has sparked an outcry among advocates for Latinos. Nebraska Appleseed attorney Norm Pflanz said he is confident that many Fremont citizens will join in opposition once they understand the full impact of the ordinance ? on their lives as well as those of immigrants. Fremont's is the first city council in the state to propose an ordinance that would ban harboring and renting to illegal immigrants. Lawmakers in other U.S. localities have introduced similar initiatives, often later struck down by the courts, according to national immigration groups." Omaha World Herald, July 11, 2008.