TX city's repeal of immigration ordinance goes to voters

By Anabelle Garay / Associated Press
Article Launched: 05/07/2007 12:00:00 AM MDT

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas -- Residents of this Dallas suburb on Saturday will be the first in the nation to vote to repeal or approve a city ordinance that bans landlords from renting apartments to most undocumented immigrants.

Opponents of the ordinance gathered enough signatures to force the city to put the measure on the municipal election ballot.

The ordinance requires apartment managers or owners to verify the immigration or citizenship status of each apartment occupant before entering into a lease. Families that include citizens and undocumented members could lease if they meet three conditions: they're already tenants, the head of household or spouse is legally in the U.S., and the family includes only a spouse, their minor children or parents.

Council members first approved the ban in November and then revamped it in January. They said the ordinance is necessary because the federal government has failed to address the issue.