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Leaders say city's immigration plan could hurt businessOMAHA, Neb. (AP)--If Fremont city leaders approve a new law aimed at illegal immigrants, the new hiring regulations could hurt small businesses and threaten development efforts, business leaders say. Directors of two community business groups say they don't condone illegal activity, but they say they believe the additional regulations would hurt more than help. The hiring provisions, added when the ordinance was revised last week, would require all businesses in city limits to use a federal Internet-based employment verification system. Businesses that don't comply could lose their licenses, permits or contracts with the city. Large employers in the area, including Fremont Beef and Hormel, are already using the system, though both plants are outside city limits and would not be subject to the new rules. Hormel also extended an invitation to the City Council to tour its plant. The electronic system can take the guesswork out of the hiring process, but is not error-proof, said spokeswoman Marilu Cabrera of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If approved, the new law likely would not result in business closures but could create difficulties especially for small businesses that don't use the Internet, said Allan Hale, executive director of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. The City Council will meet July 29 to consider the proposed ordinance, which also prohibits renting to and harboring illegal immigrants. A final vote is set for Aug. 26. During a hearing earlier this month, City Attorney Dean Skokan cautioned against adding hiring provisions to the ordinance. A 1997 attorney general opinion determined the state did not have authority over that, and Skokan said that meant the city had no such authority either. When asked July 28 where those concerns stood, Skokan declined to comment. The proposal has stirred strong opinions in this community of 25,000--including that of supporters who believe the law is needed to make up for what they see as lax enforcement by federal officials. Opponents say the law could divide the community and make the city vulnerable to costly legal challenges. Fremont has not had any sizable federal investigations of its work force in the last several years, said Tim Counts, a spokesman with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Besides potentially hampering small business, the proposal could affect business development and efforts to recruit documented workers, said Kevin Wilkins, executive director of the Greater Fremont Development Council. Landlords have justifiable concern as well, said Wilkins, who believes the proposed regulations for the rental housing market may pose even greater problems. The proposal calls for renters to secure $5 occupancy licenses to prove their legal status. Renters without licenses or landlords renting to people without occupancy licenses would each be subject to a fine of $100. 8/11/08 Date: 8/5/08 Advertisement
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