Immigration Law in Nebraska

In June, citizens of Fremont, Nebraska voted in favor of banning illegal immigrants from renting property or landing a job in the town. The law, which requires town officials to evaluate the citizenship of anyone renting property, has put the town at the center of the roiling immigration debate.

With roughly 57 percent of voters supporting the ordinance, Fremont joins other cities in the national debate over immigration regulations. The community about 35 miles northwest of Omaha has seen its Hispanic population surge in the past two decades, largely due to the jobs available at the nearby Fremont Beef and Hormel plants.

Supporters argued the measure was necessary to make up for what they see as lax federal law enforcement. Trevor McClurg said the measure is fair because it's aimed at people who aren't legally in the U.S.

"I don't think it's right to be able to rent to them or hire them," McClurg said. "They shouldn't be here in the first place."

Opponents said it could fuel discrimination. The American Civil Liberties Union has promised to file a lawsuit to block enforcement of the Fremont proposal, which could mean a lengthy and costly court fight.

"We are moving as quickly as possible, because we don't want this law to be in effect for even one day," said Amy Miller, legal director for the Nebraska ACLU.