Petition to Repeal Local Texas Law

Opponents of a city ordinance prohibiting landlords from renting to undocumented immigrants have collected enough valid signatures to force theCity Council to repeal the measure or put it to a city vote.

The petition drive gathered at least 908 valid signatures, more than the 721 required, city spokesman Tom Bryson said.

The Farmers Branch City Council in November unanimously adopted apolicy requiring property managers or owners to verify the immigrationor citizenship status of apartment renters.

The ordinance was part of a series of anti-undocumentedimmigrationrules. The council also approved resolutions making English the city’sofficial language and allowing local police to participate in a federalprogram to enforce immigration laws.

The Dallas suburb is one of more than 50 cities or counties aroundthe country that have considered, passed or rejected similar laws meantto discourage undocumented immigration.

The petitioners needed to collect the signatures of at least 5 percent of the voters registered for the May election.

Bryson said the council will discuss the petition at its Jan. 8meeting. The city charter requires that the council now repeal themeasure or call a special election on the issue. Click here.

GO BEARS!!

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