Neb. town’s council considers suspending law banning hiring, renting to illegal immigrants

Neb. town may halt immigration law to save money

OMAHA, Neb. — Elected officials in the eastern Nebraska city of Fremont are considering halting a new ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants.

The move would prevent the ordinance from taking effect until two lawsuits challenging the measure are resolved. The City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday night.

The city is facing mounting legal bills as it tries to defend the ordinance, which was approved by voters last month.

The council narrowly rejected the ban in 2008, prompting supporters to gather enough signatures for the ballot measure.

But the council’s president, Scott Getzschman, insists the elected body is merely trying to save the city money.

Getzschman says it’s not clear how much money the city would save.