Texas Town Passes Anti-Illegal Immigrant Law

Texas residents know the woes of the growing illegal immigrant problems. But in Farmer's Branch, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, residents took the law into their own hands on a public ballot when they became the first in the entire country to make it against the law for landlords to rent to illegal immigrants.

Not only was it the first of its kind in the entire United States, but the ballot to pass this law was based on public vote. The ban had a 68 percent approval rating, just the right amount to pass the anti-illegal immigrant law. Residents said that they were tired of putting this huge issue into the hands of Congress and getting absolutely nothing in return. Tim O'Hare, an active Farmer's Branch City Council member stated, "That if Congress doesn't do something about it, the cities will."

However, creating the law was not the only step. The law also requires that landlords verify that the renters are legal immigrants or US Citizens before renting housing to them. Those who break this law face a misdemeanor charge that results in a fine of a maximum $500. It may not seem like a lot, but it could add up quickly, especially where illegal immigration is rampant in the city.

Still, there are some exceptions to the newly passed rule. The law completely exempts minors, seniors over 60, and families mixed of legal and illegal immigrant members, despite the size of the family.

Opponents of the band will battle it out in court to prevent the city from enforcing this new anti-illegal immigrant law. Such opponents include civil rights groups, residents, business and property owners who believe the law discriminates and puts landlords in the position of "border control" officers.

O'Hare believes that the economy and quality of life in Farmer's Branch, TX will increase if illegal immigrants are kept out for good. He and other residents who support the ban say that they have no problem with immigrants, just illegal ones. They simply want town moral to improve.