Anti-immigration efforts hitting wall of suits

The continued efforts of Farmer’s Branch, TX to establish local ordinances against illegal immigrants has again been met with a lawsuit. Prior to this it was reported that the Dallas-suburb had spent nearly $800,000 fighting prior suits. Federal judges have blocked or struck down previous attempts.

Other efforts around the country have been met with similar decisions in the federal courts. One of the few exceptions is the recent decision in Valley Park, MO, allowing the city to suspend or revoke operating licenses for business found to “knowingly” employ illegal aliens. The Judge’s decision in that case declared that the city had jurisdiction over business licensing, even though the purpose — even spoken of almost exclusively in post-decision quotes in the media — was an illegal immigrant crackdown.

Courts have struck down local anti-immigrant ordinances across the country. Cases include Lozano v. City of Hazleton in Hazelton, Pennsylvania; Garrett v. City of Escondido in Escondido, California; and Villas at Parkside Partners v. City of Farmers Branch in Farmers Branch, Texas.

State laws recently enacted last year in Arizona and Oklahoma have caused illegal immigrants to move from those states, to those considered more “welcoming” like Texas. Additionally, it is reported there has been a significant, negative impact on the economy in Oklahoma City.

The effect of the new law can be seen in the many signs advertising rental property vacated by departing immigrants, said David Castillo, the executive director of the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

”There’s been a tremendous impact in Oklahoma City,” Castillo said. “We’ve had several companies close shop and leave the state. Banks have called us and say they’re closing 30 accounts per week.”

In the case of Oklahoma’s law, the US Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma City Chamber and Tulsa Chamber have joined to file for an injunction against Oklahoma’s HB 1804.

Bringing this a bit closer to home, it seems like a very significantly positive thing that the “Illegal Immigrant Relief Act” was tabled at even the “discussion and direction” stage, here in the Village of Carpentersville. The town certainly doesn’t need to be worrying about yet another lawsuit, especially when it is currently facing one for $30 million and having some difficulty retaining and attracting business.

It is almost certain that recent news of meetings held by Trustees Sigwalt and Humpfer with an anti-illegal immigrant group will not help that situation. As such, it is my intent to tone down my reporting on this matter. However, it does seem to be in the best interest of the Village to consider pursuing action toward removing these trustees, in some attempt to help salvage chances in the lawsuit.

Our community cannot afford to be torn apart any longer by the rhetoric and insanity that is the illegal immigration debate.