The Escondido City Council votes tomorrow night on a controversial ordinance that prohibits landlords from renting to illegal immigrants. Under the measure, landlords would be required to submit documents to the city detailing their tenants’ immigration status. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.
Landlords whose renters are in the country illegally would have five days to get their tenants out. Or they’d face penalties. Those include a suspension of their business license or a misdemeanor for repeat offenders.
San Diego ACLU executive director Kevin Keenan says in addition to being anti-immigrant the measure is also anti-landlord.
Keenan : If you’re a landlord and you’re faced with the burdens this ordinance creates, you’re just going to start turning away anyone who appears Mexican.
Keenan says that violates fair housing laws and is unconstitutional. Escondido’s City Attorney could not be reached for comment. Although city officials have said the measure will stand up to any legal challenges. Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
(Photo: Full Focus )
