SC town declines action on proposal to ban illegal immigrants from residing in community

SC town: no action on banning illegal immigrants

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — Council members in Summerville, a quiet town of about 45,000, have decided to take no action on a proposal to ban illegal immigrants from residing in their community.

The council voted 4-3 Wednesday to table, or set aside any action, on a proposed ordinance that would require renters to prove they are U.S. citizens or are in the country legally. If approved, it would have required a verification form be filed with the town.

Several council members warned the proposal could trigger costly lawsuits. It could come up again at a later date.

Council members did vote 5-1 to approve another section of ordinance requiring employers in town to verify the immigration status of prospective employees.

Summerville is 20 miles northwest of Charleston.