Judge sets hearing on blocking local Neb. law banning hiring, renting to illegal immigrants

Hearing set on Neb. illegal-immigrant law

OMAHA, Neb. — A federal court hearing has been set on a request to block enforcement of a new city ordinance in Nebraska that would ban hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants.

U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp will hear requests Wednesday afternoon from the American Civil Liberties Union and the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund.

The two civil-rights groups filed lawsuits this week to prevent the law from taking effect next Thursday in Fremont, Neb. They say the voter-approved ordinance amounts to discrimination.

Voters in Fremont approved the measure on June 21. It requires city businesses to use the federal E-Verify database to try to authenticate the legal status of workers and requires potential renters to apply for special licenses.