City clerk OKs illegal immigration petition

LET US KNOW WHERE WE CAN SIGN. I DON'T THINK THEY WILL HAVE A PROBLEM GATHERING 20% OF THE VOTERS SIGNATURES.

Just what we need another added cost for the taxpayers. Don’t get me wrong I am all for illegal’s providing the proper documentation to live here. I just don’t think the city of Fremont has the funds or the police force to accomplish this. That’s why we have federal laws in place. So stop making the city of Fremont look like we are living in the stone ages and do something to help the city.

I can understand the frustration of the illegal immigration situation. It is definitely not right, but I think the problem lies in Washington DC. It is the Federal Governments duty to enforce the immigration laws.

While the goals of the those wanting to circulate the immigration petition are good, I don't think a local city ordinance is the best way to solve this problem. In fact, it may make things worse as lawyers come to Fremont from all over the country to argue the rule in court.

Instead of having all of these immigrants show some sort of documentation maybe there is a better plan out there. Maybe we can put a big "I" on there clothes meaning they are illegal or a big "C" meaning they are a citizen. That way we know for sure who really does belong. It worked in the 1940's for Hitler and the Germans to identify the people who weren't wanted in their community. We should give it a shot. Then we can go back to our homes knowing we stuck it to those people for trying to find work and better there lives for their families! God Bless America! Great job Fremont way to show your true colors. And we know it is definitely not Red, White, and Blue!

Where do I sign??????

JUST ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR CLOSET BIGOTS. ILLEGALS ARE A FEDERERAL ISSUE PEOPLE. QUIT USING THIS AS A SMOKE SCREEN TO HAVE ALL PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT LIKE YOU LEAVE THE COMMUNITY. AND MAKE SURE YOU DRESS NICE IN CHURCH ON SUNDAY WHILE YOU CONTINUE TO LIE TO YOURSELVES ABOUT WHO ARE GOD'S CHILDREN.

Maybe with this and the combined efforts of the task force Fremont will be a leader in helping to solve the immigration problem. We need to let it be known we will no longer tolerate being a sanctuary city! Good luck to all the people who are doing what they can to help with this problem instead of sitting on there hands and complaining.

Where can I sign as well? I'm here legally and all immigrants should be too.

If this gets on the ballot and passes does that mean we don't need to have Carl Schaffner run for mayor? Then I may actually support this.

A little off topic but I was wondering if Carl Schaffner ever publicly explained why he does not pay property taxes? I think somebody running for Mayor should tell us why. Is it because he is disabled? I have an aunt in a chair that pays taxes. Is it because he is a Vet? I am a Vet with 20% disability and I pay full taxes. Just wondering how he did it. I want to follow his example. Especially if this ordinace passes because all of out taxes will go up if that happens.

Has anyone else read that the number of deported is growing and that there seems to be a strong reduction in folks trying to come over illegally? I have read it several times recently.

Funny, none of these stories have mentioned that this is due to any small towns creating laws to try and keep these folks out.

It is from groups applying pressure to Federal Officials...getting ICE to do thier job, etc. That is where we should spend out time and energy.

Not with special elections that will costs us tax dollars, not with laws that will land us in court (even if we win-- we still pay the fees!!) and not with laws that really won't work to address the key problems of immigration.

This petition and the law folks want passed is not the answer.

Here's an idea. You want it on the ballot -- you pay for it. Let the folks who sign this petition write the check.

I do not want my tax payer dollars wasted on this or any other special election.

Can we start a petition to NEGATE this one? If so, where can I sign. I bet we could come up with more signatures.

Anyone know when McDonald's is going to open back up? I am missing my sausage burrito breakfast.

two good reasons to sign both petitions: 1)INCREASE IN VIOLENT GANG MEMBERS SUCH AS MS-13 & SURENOS
2)METH BY THE TRUCKLOADS BEING BROUGHT INTO FREMONT

Frank - those are both important issues...but sadly the ordinance if actually passed would not impact those two issues. We need to stop kidding ourselves that this law would actually do much of anything -- but certainly won't do that.

Do you think that folks in a gang or dealing drugs are going to be scared off by this ordinance. Not a chance.

Let's do somethign that will matter...signing this petition will not change your two concerns.

to taco john: the new mcdonalds is going on the same property that the old one was on and also on the old tj haas property next door.
to frank: we will have to arm ourselves to protect our lives and property. the police cant do it alone and with the present laws, nothing much will or can be done to these low lifes. lets go back to the old west days. evewryone packs a 45 and takes care of business on their own. but there are too many chickens and bleeding hearts in this country to make changes like that.

This is not a federal issue, it is a local issue. The ordinance is constitutional as
has been found by courts in other cities and states e.g. in AZ, OK, MO etc.
have upheld state and local actions. The Task force will quickly become
a dog and pony show as ICE does not have the manpower to be of much assistance
to Fremont. There are presently 'costs' both monetary and human costs which
which Fremonters are paying which far outweigh the gains made by the few. Such
costs will only increase. Will the ordinance solve everything, of course not.
But is will put a large dent in it. Two anti-ILLEGAL immigrant groups have indicated
that they will defend Fremont pro bono. Unfortunately Fremont has sent a message,
and the message is “come on in” it is a open city. The question should not be how
much it will 'cost, but whether the city of Fremont and its lawful citizens can
afford to not protect themselves? That is the real question?

Hey Frank, sorry to burst your bubble but there's never been a shortage of meth labs in Fremont. 3iqin

what in this law will make a difference for the police and how will this "protect us"??

The law calls for e-verify use by employers. Hormel and Fremont Beef that everyone is so concerned about already use it. How will this help police? Plus that system is not 100% at all.

The law calls for permits for folks that want to rent. How will this help police. How will that protect us?

Most importnatly is if we get illegals to court -- will the courts have any grounds to do anything? What will they do -- fine them. That is what the law call for. And fine the landlord?

Besides...these laws only impact the city of Fremont...doesn't change anything in the schools, with health care, etc. and all those who are in the surrounding areas.

How does this protect us. The fact is we do need to fix the broken immigration system but why do some many ignore the realities of the law?

Folks need to stop thinking that somehow this is a magic soltuion. It is not. If this would somoehow work to "rid" Fremont of illegals then do you really think that we would be the first to do this?

Complex problems are almost NEVER solved by simple soltions.

Live in your own world if you must -- but there is no evidence in reality this will do anything but costs us MORE money. I may make folks feel good to have the law but we need to get real about this.

To fremonter:
thanks for the good information on where McDonald's is going to be located. My problem is I asked if anyone knew WHEN it was going to open back up?

Would all of you out there, who call us bigots, feel the same if it was your identity that was stolen? And you ended up hiring lawyers to straighten the mess out with the IRS even to the point of creating issues with your Social Security?

Taco John: McDonald's is scheduled to open in December, just in time for you to enjoy your breakfast burritos while driving on icy roads.

This ordinance would help to send a message that Fremont, Nebraska is NOT a sanctuary city. I believe its well worth any cost to get that point across to illegal immigrants.

If I can do it, anyone can too.

To Taco John:
From what i remember reading it will be approx 3 months before McDonalds is back and running.Hope the new one is worth the wait.

The beef processing plants say they are using e-verify
but are they? I have no way of knowing. This
ordinance will not effect them anyway. Fremont will
be sending a message to the Governor, Ashford and
the Unicameral that the state had better get off its
butt and enact laws e.g. OK, MO, AZ, RI etc. and
enforce them. Other Nebraska cities will begin to follow
Fremont's lead. So far the above have not been –
deliberately I might add - interested in doing any thing.
Appropriate laws and enforcement will begin to
address and solve some of the existing problems
not covered by the ordinance. Until then Fremont should
attempt to protect itsself as much as possible.

I love the person who is calling us all racists and then misspelling embarassing. Wow, I'm sure everyone took your comment seriously, since you typed it in all caps. Come on people! When are we going to wake up and get it? The people who want something to be done about the illegals are not hateful racists. They just dont want to see our town go down the tubes. The more illegals we have the more state aid we give out, and yes they get it. In fact they sent home information with the elementary school kids about reduced or free lunches, right on that literature they tell you, that you dont have to be a legal US citizen to receive this benefit. Think, if we did have to hand out free money to people who weren't even here legally, how many more HONEST citizens would be able to feel the relief from programs like these. We are whining about having to pay for a special election, well wake up, you are already paying for these people to receive all kinds of free government money. If these people weren't here, more of the people who deserve it would be getting help. If you committed a crime to get here, you dont deserve our government funds. You are stealing enough already. I will be signing the petition. I dont care how much we have to pay for it tax wise. In the end our community will have more money because we wont be handing it to people who have broken the law.
Jack, your a fool to think you would get more signatures to do nothing about the issue. Its obviously something people feel passionately about.
I would also like to say that Frank has a point. You may not get rid of all the meth or the gangs, but if we dont make this a safe place for the illegals to stay they will move somewhere else. With them will go some of the gang problems and drug problems. Sure this town will always have drugs, but less drugs is better for everyone.

One more thing, thank you Juan M. You are right, anyone can become an American citizen, its just much easier to do it illegally. I appreciate your willingness to support this ordinance. What are they going to call you? A racist? Dont be suprised. Its the only thing these bleeding hearts have got. Honestly though, good for you for doing it the right way. =]

Not to hard to tell who is a liberal bleeding heart on theses posting. Liberals will always say let the government take care of the problem. Well folks WE are the government. Did you ever notice they always compare a person who wants to change something to Hilter. Shows you what little smarts they have. Where are the petitions I will be happy to sign it.Some person wrote about Carl not paying taxes because he is a vet. Yes he is a vet and in a wheel chair. The person who posted this said they had A 20 percent disablitly which isn't swat now days. Wear somebody else's shoes before you open your big mouth.

to taco john:
sorry i misread it. its supposed to be open in 3 months.

If the Fremont community insits on having a law on the books to try and address immigration...why not take the time to craft one that will actually work. I have not heard of seen one shred of evidence this will do anything. So why this law? Why not work on something that will WORK?

Do you have to be a registered voter in Fremont to sign the petition? If so, good luck getting that done...while many think there is huge support for this -- finding that many who are registered and willing to sign could be very tough.

Joe -- Wow...you made a good case that we don't need this ordinance. If Fremont is already showing that we are tough on immigration and it somehow already showing the great results in the school...then you prove that no new law is needed to be tough on immigration in Fremont.

And, btw: we could do with out your "anonymous sources" of school information. They have proven to be wrong in the past. Stick with what you know or...reveal your super secret source.

why is it that we hear no one who supports this effort to actually talk about the merits of this law.

How many have actually read it? How many have any clue how and if it would work?

Seems that no one cares if it will work becuase everyone is so busy "sending a message" and thinking this is "doing something" -- which will do neither it seems.

Maybe your man Carl can step up and give us the low down on how this law is going to solve all the issues he and others say it will.

to taco John: Listen here fella, your concern should not be when or where Mickey D's may be opening. Your concern should be about the state of our community and those of us trying to prevent illegal immitation. Our city council and mayor are working on this illegal immitation . Thanks to the likes oif Mr weaver, Mr Hart, and Ms Kotas, our community will rise above and solve this illegal immitation issue. Im tired of you fast- food- want- to- bes changing the subject. You had your Lazlos and now its gone. So take the beaver off your back and out of the boat and get to the issue-Illegal immitation, gosh darnnit!!

I couldnt agree with the following statement anymore....Pure ignorance...whos gonna pay for this whole set up?...All of us who disagree, I have children, a family to take care of, my money is better spent with them, ya'll wanna see the hispanics out of here?...PAY FOR IT YOURSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!IN CHURCH ON SUNDAY WHILE YOU CONTINUE TO LIE TO YOURSELVES ABOUT WHO ARE GOD'S CHILDREN....

For all the people who are Bit**ing about the illegal immigrants taking all of our money well at least they are good workers there are alot of white people who get help from the state that are capable of getting jobs but there to darn lazy to do it so why not get off there backs and worry about yourselves for once and tell the mayor to GET A REAL JOB !

Group to take on gang problem:
COLUMBUS -- The Aug. 16 shooting at Carriage House Estates is one indication of the escalating gang presence in Columbus and local community leaders have organized a group to try to counteract that trend.


Hmm sounds familiar, another "Dream Team". I would much rather see Columbus follow in Fremonts footsteps and attempt to pass an ordinance instead of creating their own "Dream Team" because that's exactly what it is... a "dream".

This is whats coming Fremonts way if we don't get our act together. I just hope bad things don't happen to good people caught in the middle.

If you want to sign the patition contact me
Andy Schnatz
The blog wont let me put my phone # or address

Im sick of hearing its a federal matter and the feds are doing nothing but job raids. I wanna see these employers nailed to the wall. Im also sick of those who support illegal immigrants saying "Their just here doing jobs you wont do." or "closet biggots" ect . How is it biggoted to want the laws of the USA enforced ?These companies dont want Americans of any kind doing these jobs , they would have to pay them and not cheat them and have fair working conditions. Thousands of Americans suffer in many ways because Washinton has neglected to do their job ! Now theres a job Washington hasnt done , hmmmm . Last time I rented I had to show my ID ,proof of employment and reference;s too, maybe I should scream "racist"..... No I have nothing to hide .

CW could not have said things better. Thank you!
To Juan, good for you for being an American citizen. That is great news and hopefully it will help others from thinking the ones who want this ordinance passed are racist. Thank you for becoming a legal citizen!

Has anyone noticed the intelligence level or lack there of related to those supporting this ordinance? My sense is that this group is very small and the "Facts" and "sources" that they profess to have is a bunch of garbage. Thanks to those of you that are trying to do things the right way, the legal way and be part of the solution. These individuals claim to understand "illegal" and the fact is they don't. Regardless of if they like it or not, "illegal" is not a term that is accurate for an individual that is here without documentation, they are legally referred to as "undocumented" individuals. These individuals can be dealt with once they commit a crime but as per the law, not before then. It would be nice if those who profess to know so much would atleast learn the basic facts before they speak or write the garbage posted on this site.

TO TACO LARRY:

Are you sure you are even posting to the correct story? What is this about beaver's on boats? Get with the issue here. This is a serious matter. I think you are talking about the issue with the Minnesota Vikings party boat a few years back.

Still waiting for the answer to my question:

Is this really a problem or not? How many illegal immigrants are really in this town? 3%, 10%, 30%????

until its a proven problem, then i'm still assuming this is about race.

Your comments hit the nail on the head. I'm glad to know there are others out there seeing the same thing.

to taco larrys:
how about before you comment on anything, or try to correct someone elses post, that you learn to spell. its immigration not immitation.
(my "m" key sticks sometimes)

I have noticed a lot of back and forth name calling and it is very sad. We are all entitled to our own opinion! I personally don't feel that this issue is about race. I feel this issue is about Legal or Illegal. It is a simple concept. I haven't seen the proposed ordinance yet, but I am very interested in reading it. I will be undecided on it until I read it. I do know that the federal government is NOT doing its job of taking care of things. I understand that becoming a US Citizen can be time consuming and I am sure it can be boring, but it isn't hard to do. I know several people who have done it. Most of them have come from Mexico, but some of them have come from other countries and they all have told me the same thing...It's not that hard and they are very proud that they have done it.

If this ordinance passes, I hope we as a city can work together with the new task force, ICE, and all other arms of government that are responsible for the matter.

I personally don't care if you are coming from Germany, England, Africa, Mexico, or any other country. Just do it the right way. Follow the rules and become an American Citizen. Don't do it illegally. It is very simply stated!

Again to me the issue is Legal and Illegal. Simple as that!

I wanted NGPC Game Warden come out to all lakes and rivers to verify all illegal immigrants fishing without fishing license permit. I am serious because they are broke our NGPC law. Please inform NGPC Game Warden as soon as possible.

you know Unbelievable has a point but what he forgets is that by coming into this nation without papers (example passport, work visa, temp visas) is illegal. so by all accounts they have and are committing crimes. and once they do get here they take jobs from the people who are here legally or born here. and we wonder why we have so many who are on state aid. i do think that by us being able to vote on this is our right as us citizens and if it passes then so be it but we will be the ones who will pass it or not and i do not think race has anything to do with this at all.

Reminder to all those posting story comments.

Comments that include web addresses and other links will not be posted.

Also, please remember that messages containing intentionally misleading or knowingly false information, defamatory content, threats, verbal abuse, harassment, obscenity or personal information about other individuals will not be allowed.

Each year the Border Patrol is making more than a million apprehensions of people who flagrantly violate our nation's laws by unlawfully crossing U.S. borders to work and to receive publicly-funded services, often with the aid of fraudulent documents. Such entry is a misdemeanor and, if repeated, becomes punishable as a felony. Over eight million illegal immigrants live in the United States -- some estimate even more.

In addition to sneaking into the country in violation of the immigration law that requires that aliens be documented for legal entry (referred to as "entry without inspection -- EWI"), others enter with legal documentation and then violate the terms on which they have been admitted by taking jobs that are not authorized or overstaying the authorized period of stay in the country. The INS estimated in 1996 that about 60 percent of the then estimated five million illegal immigrants were EWI and 40 percent were overstayers. Both types of illegal immigrants are deportable under Immigration and Nationality Act Section 237 (a)(1)(B) which says:
"Any alien who is present in the United States in violation of this Act or any other law of the United States is deportable."
* Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or
* Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or
* Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact;

has committed a federal crime.

Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.

Unfortunately the Moderator won't allow links to be posted so I can't share my source of information. But you can find this same information from the American Patrol Reference Archive website.

Here is what's considered an Illegal Alien according to U.S. Code.

Section 1325. Improper entry by alien

(a) Improper time or place; avoidance of examination or inspection;
misrepresentation and concealment of facts
Any alien who (1) enters or attempts to enter the United States
at any time or place other than as designated by immigration
officers, or (2) eludes examination or inspection by immigration
officers, or (3) attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United
States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the
willful concealment of a material fact, shall, for the first
commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18 or
imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both, and, for a subsequent
commission of any such offense, be fined under title 18, or
imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.
(b) Improper time or place; civil penalties
Any alien who is apprehended while entering (or attempting to
enter) the United States at a time or place other than as
designated by immigration officers shall be subject to a civil
penalty of -
(1) at least $50 and not more than $250 for each such entry (or
attempted entry); or
(2) twice the amount specified in paragraph (1) in the case of
an alien who has been previously subject to a civil penalty under
this subsection.

Civil penalties under this subsection are in addition to, and not
in lieu of, any criminal or other civil penalties that may be
imposed.
(c) Marriage fraud
Any individual who knowingly enters into a marriage for the
purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws shall be
imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined not more than
$250,000, or both.
(d) Immigration-related entrepreneurship fraud
Any individual who knowingly establishes a commercial enterprise
for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws
shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, fined in accordance
with title 18, or both.

You can find this on the FindLaw Website, search for U.S. Code : Title 8 : Section 1325
I'd post the link directly to the site, but the moderator won't allow that.

Uh what about the gangs man? Taco Bell vs Taco Johns dude. The potato ole vs the enchirito. Yeah sign the petition and shut those places down.

Wheres the petition I can sign that voids the other petition?

I need a McGriddle!

While I support the word legal- who wuldn't? I think you conservative people need to get educated. Skip did his homework- now do yours-or did you not do it in your early years. Spend more $ for an election only to have it declared unconstitutional--" makes sense"? What about the money these people spend in the community- groceries-gas- etc. Maybe we should give that back when you folks round them up! As my dad told me years ago wake up and smell the coffee. America love it or leave it goes for everyone. I post my real name- dont believe in hiding behind some other ID.

I do not forget, I deal in facts and within the law which is obviously somehting many of you should beging to explore. When you mention "coming into the country with out papers" which are you speaking about? If you come in with a "passport, work visa, or temp visa" you would actually have documentation. If those individuals stay, our federal goverments lack of enforcing the law is actually the "crime" but as for the individuals, they technically have committed no crime. These individuals have violated a civil act, check the law, you may learn something.

Next, you mention "so many who are on state aid." Where are your facts, your numbers etc? The fact is, you don't have any, you are just professing your own false rhetoric and doing absolutely nothing to help solve the problem. Perhaps you should spend your time and energy actually doing something to help solve the issue instead of fanning the false flames your create.

Wendy - you said, "I have children, a family to take care of, my money is better spent with them" ya'll wanna see the hispanics out of here?...PAY FOR IT YOURSELVES!!... IN CHURCH ON SUNDAY WHILE YOU CONTINUE TO LIE TO YOURSELVES ABOUT WHO ARE GOD'S CHILDREN....” I have not seen any posters claim that these people are NOT God’s children. If I missed one, I will stand corrected. The issue is not about Hispanics!! The issue is about people being in the United States ILLEGALLY! Not matter the race, sex, religion or orientation. BTW, those detained in the Howard Industries raid were from Brazil, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. I’m sure they were not all hispanic, but were ILLEGALLY working and living in the United States. So please put your deck of race cards back in the drawer and see this issue for what it really is. On a second note, do you realize just how much of your family’s income is going to state and federal tax funded assistance for these ‘children of God’ and the funding for employing the ICE workers, boarder patrol and the fence being built? Not to forget the cost of deporting them back to their originating countries. Wouldn’t you rather keep that money to take care of your family?

and for Who Cares..."For all the people who are Bit**ing about the illegal immigrants taking all of our money well at least they are good workers there are alot of white people who get help from the state that are capable of getting jobs but there to darn lazy to do it so why not get off there backs…" You obviously haven't been watching the national news or you would have seen this story. “Several hundred job applicants gathered at the employee entrance of Howard Industries plant in Laurel, Miss., Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008 seeking employment following Monday's roundup of almost 600 suspected illegal immigrants working at the electronics plant.” I suppose these people standing in line are just lazy Americans who don't want to work huh? That's why the 600 illegal immigrants had the jobs, right?

I agree just sit around and let them take over our city like Columbus so that we can also have the issues that Columbus is having it has gotten so bad that the city leaders in Columbus have organized a group focused on gang awareness.

The meeting will be conducted in Spanish this comes after the Aug shooting at a mobile home park that left five people wounded. The incident was a confrontation between Mexican street gangs.

So just draw your shades down and ignore the fact that Fremont will be next. FOOLS!!!!!!

I had to laugh when I read "anyone can become an American citizen, its just much easier to do it illegally." As far as I know you are either a legal American citizen or you are an illegal immigrant. I don't want to see the country struggling to keep up with the demands on the system, but I also don't believe this ordinance will do one single thing to curb the problem. First off, most of the employers that people suspect of hiring illegals aren't even in the city limit. Secondly, as for renting, how far is it to Inglewood, Arlington, North Bend, etc.? Even if people move out of Fremont, they may not go far. As for those who claim other cities have successfully put in place a law like this, check your facts because everywhere I have looked I find that they are either overturned or are in litigation at some level in the courts and are not yet in the clear.

I'm very proud of you Jerry Hart, Wanda Kotas and John Wiegert. Get what you need and get a law passed. I wish you the very best!

I personally am for State Laws like Arizona, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Georgia and other States. From the little I have read about the States with laws, they are working well. Whatever it takes, the ILLEGAL ALIENS have got to get out of this Country and back to their own country where they belong. THEY DON'T BELONG HERE!

Why waste time on the petition. By law the council has to ask for a special election. So even though they know it will cost the city money they will do it. IF it passes then it will get enacted. OK you following me?
Next step we get sued. Next step the city council will wisely bring a motion to amend the ordinance to basically remove everything from it. In fact they can amend it to read nothing at all. So you will do all of this work which is a waste of time to begin with because it solves nothing. NOW PLEASE PEOPLE USE YOUR BITTERNESS AND ENERGY TO DO SOMETHING THAT WILL REALLY HELP RID OUR COMMUNITY OF ILLEAGALS.

Regarding the term 'undocumented' etc. The correct terminology for the 19-21
million persons illegally in the U.S is illegal aliens. The term undocumented
immigrant is purposely incorrect in order to sway the public in favor of special
interest groups and only cloud the reality of the present situation. Even though
the term illegal immigrant imparts the law-breaking aspect the term is really an
oxymoron. Unfortunately the term immigrant has been broadly applied to those
illegally in the U.S. The OWH often uses this trick to camouflage the real status
the person to whom they are referring. The U.S. Census Bureau categorizes
foreign-born as follows: legal permanent residents (immigrants), temporary
migrants (such as students), humanitarian migrants (such as refuges), and
persons illegally present in the U.S. The Census Bureau does not have the
courage to used the category illegal aliens the important point is that “persons
illegally present in the U.S.” are not immigrants. Immigrants by definition, are
legal and illegal aliens, by definition, are illegal. Most illegal aliens are not
undocumented! They have a plethora of documents, most bogus or stolen. Try
giving a definition of an undocumented worker!

Isn't this descrimination this is what white people used to do to black people before. I think the world should worry about the economy instead of illegals trying make a place in the society. What happened when our for fathers said all men were created equally. Are we not the same people who demand that everyone be treated with equal rights? How selfish can people be?

The Columbus officials are working to reach our to the hispanic community and work WITH THEM to address problems and concerns in the community.

What an interesting approach -- instead of focusing all the efforts and hateful feelings on the false idea that this ordinance would somehow do what NOTHING else has been able to do in the country before maybe we too should consider reaching out, understanding and coming with the solutions from that angle. Are is that just too humanistic for Fremont?

Another pretty good reason Fremont needs to continue it's efforts on the illegal immigration issue is found in today's Fremont Tribune...under Nebraska
news you will find a story entitled
"Columbus,NE. Leaders To Take On Gang Problem."

And call me racists, I don't particular care one way or the other at this point.
Having said that....this are Hispanic gangs, I mean lie, have you every heard of white gangs? And I am sure someone will come up with a cute response, and that is fine.

Isn't life fun when one doesn't take themselves so seriously?

Congratulations Fremont Citizens for getting the Illegal Alien Ordinance petition going! However, don't forget that in order for that ordinance to work you need a Mayor who will encourage the actual enforcement of it. Something tells me Mayor Edwards will just keep on winking and nodding to his departments to keep looking the other way. Good Luck Great Americans!

Give the task force a chance. Let's see what they offer us. Then decide if we need to spend the money on having this special election. Ther is plenty of time to sign...let's give the task force a chance. You don't like what they offer (I think they said they would report by Nov) then sign the petition and move on.

No need to sign now...give the group working on this issue (btw...there are folks on all sides of this issue in that group -- contrary to what some want folks to think).

Let's try applying pressure and coming up with solutions that don't require us to spend this money, sit and wait until a special election in winter and then until it has been litigated in court, etc. Let's focus on the here and now and let the task force take a stab and making a difference.

Immigration acts were enacted as long ago as 1924.Limiting immigration isn't a new issue.It needs to be slowed down-way down.

Susan Smith why does CARL SCHAFFNER NOT PAY TAXES? i know you don't in Fremont either and you have no financial stake in Fremonts decisions so i don't blame you for trying to agitate fremont into spending millions of tax dollars. but Carl whom you support also DOES NOT PAY TAXES. wouldn't you, Susan< have issue with Mike fahey (Mayor of Omaha) not paying taxes? I know you would and IF you were honest with yourself you would agree. So why Carl? Carl has refused to answer why he does not pay taxes on 1901 parkview drive for the past three years?? Susan since you know him so well and trust him to lead fremont could you ask him? BTW Susan did you know carl before? No you probably did not. waht do you think he will do with Fremonts sewer agreement with surrounding communities? oh you have no clue/ Shocker. Neither does carl. Amazing. i will tell you this. I will join you in Omaha ifCarl is elected and this ordinance passes. Actually I will go to a small town. But I won't pay tax dollares to a rougue campaign of outsiders with agitaters getting local people with no clue of overall issue to lead our community into ruins. Another ? i know you will probably not answer truthfully. Have you actually read the ordinance? I know carl has not. and agai tell me why. CARL SCHAFFNER DOES NOT PAY TAXES!!!!!

Perhaps the pressure and focus needs to be at the Federal level. No more anchor babies and actual enforcement of our laws.

That being said, I'm all for supporting the efforts of those at least attempting to do something. (Although it might help your cause even more if those lawyers who have supposedly offered to represent any future lawsuits at no cost would come forward and speak in the community.)

I am not for letting someone who cannot follow the basic rule of coming here through legal measures to just stay because they've already been here for x amount of years and they work really hard. If you want to come to America to make a better life for yourself than do it through legal measures. If you're worried about being deported because you have children, again, perhaps you should have come here through legal measures to begin with. You knew the consquences of your actions. At least you have the option of taking your child with you. Other parents who commit crimes cannot take their children with them to jail permanently.

At some point it has to be about personal responsbility. The difference between immigrants of past and today is that in the past they followed the rules and actually tried to assimilate into the American culture. That's not to say they discarded their own culture and forgot their roots but their first allegiance became to the United States. The first and most important, and in most cases only, flag that flew was that of the United States. The first language spoken, at least in public, was English. (For those who want to debate the issue of immigrants learning English, it is in the Nebraska Constitution that our official language is English.)

I know of many people who recieve government assistance (which comes in all forms; ADC, Food Stamps, WIC, Housing, Daycare Assistance, Free and Reduced Lunches, college grants, etc.)who also work hard everyday. Why are we so willing to turn a blind eye to immigrants who have not come here through legal measures getting these benefits because they're hard workers, but in the same breath belittle and verbally assault those who are American citizens who also work and get these benefits?

At some point the United States needs to stop being the world bully and god and start thinking of the people who are citizens. Maybe I'm selfish that I want my country to clean up it's own backyard before it tries to clean up someone else's. Maybe I'm selfish that I want my country to educate its own citizens above sub par before it pays to educate those who are not citizens. Maybe I'm selfish because I want my country to protect it's own citizens before protecting others. Maybe I'm selfish because if the men and women of our country are going to die I want it to be for our the citizens of our country. That's fine, than, I'm selfish but I won't be made to feel badly because I was born into a country with the greatest opportunities and freedoms and someone else wasn't.

On a final note, if it's about everyone being one of God's children: First, don't assume that everyone believes in your God or should. Even Jesus/God gives us free will and that includes the free will of not believing. Secondly, get volunteers from your church to go into these other countries legally and live there and make their country better. Your God will surely provide for your safety and needs if you are attempting to take care of His children. In the meantime, give my children of the United States the same opportunities I had; to have an education that's not subpar because the school budgets are stretched to the limit educating anchor babies and providing ESL courses, to have a feeling of security that their country will protect them, and to know that when they grow up if they want to get a job here in the United States they won't be forced to learn another language to cater to those who want to be here so badly but can't be bothered to assimilate to our culture.(By the way, I'm not saying that learning another language is not beneficial to our children, but it shouldn't be forced on them to get a job in at least this state where the official language is English.)

*Stepping off my soapbox now*

Not all gang members are Hispanic. There ARE white kids. Now, I refuse to get into the "sides" of the matter. Yes, there are some SERIOUS gang issues that are global, but please be careful about your comments. Yes, we have white kids here in Fremont who are participating in gang acitivity. I just wanted you to be informed. Other communities also deal with gangs, and you should know that they are not all Hispanic. It is a big issue, yes. Just please be cautious and informed before you throw out your comments. They (the gangs and drugs) will not "go quietly into the night". They'll just be replaced with a new group, complete with a new set of problems.

Hey embarrassing, you are way off line. This has nothing to do with a lie, it has to do with the federal government NOT dong it's job and that is fining the business' that knowingly hire illegals. No jobs no illegals. FYI I'm a 5th generation Nebraskan(6th counting the territory)married to a woman of Mexican descent(also of Indian descent making her MORE American than anyone else) who also believes it's time to close down the border and really go after the illegals. We live 6-29 miles from the border and the crime here is unbelievable(yes most are caused by people with hispanic names). Just try to get into the emergency room, 2-12 hour waits are normal, actually 2 hour wait would be fast. As for a special election, NO, save the city's money and get it on a up coming scheduled ballot..of course by then it maybe too late(see Schyler NE).

Man were really pushing to be known nationwide right. Were getting a petition and everything. We couldnt just stop at the ordinance meeting vote. But this has to pass right? We have to spend more money right? I just think its getting ridiculous. Why dont we let federal handle it. Fremont is not a safe haven for illegals it happens all over. Why were making it such a big deal here, I have no idea. I think its a waste of time. and i hope the petition doesnt get enough votes. Because I dont think I should be helping pay for something that we need to let go. I think everyone gets illegal is illegal but why get this little town of fremont so divided over this issue. come on now.

Why laugh? It's true isnt it? We sit on our fat butts and do nothing about those who came here illegally, we treat them like American citizens even though they are not. Ok, so I made an error in my words, but the funny things is, in the end what I said is kind of true. They get state aid as though they are citizens, they get to rent and work as though they are citizens.

I just dont get why no one even wants to give this a chance. It's better than doing nothing isn't it? Whats your plan? To sit back and wait til the problem is so out of control that nothing can be done? We are on the road to just that.

Look at us, we have a community that is at war with eachother. We get on here and argue and complain, and throw around facts, and fictions [in some cases] We should be working together to fix this issue, not fighting with eachother about it.

People say, our police force couldnt handle all of the illegals anyway. That tell me two things, first, ite tells me that the problem is already getting beyond our control. Second it tells me something I already know, that our cops are worthless. Something of any magnitude happens in this town, and they never find out, why it happened, or who did it. Why is that? Maybe because they are busy pulling people over for fix it tickets, and wasting their valuable time on minor infractions. What's more important to you, catching the guy who is bringing pounds of meth into our community, or telling the guy who has a headlight out that he has 5 days to fix it?

This gets stupider by the day. The bottom line is that Fremont cannot handle immigration issues, it is NOT a local issue, we also CANNOT deport people so I don't know what you people are thinking you are going to do with them once they are caught. ICE needs to handle this.If the cops pick up a bunch of illegals and put them in jail then you all are going to freak out that we are paying to keep them incarcerated. Think a little bit, we sure have a lot of rednecks in this town anymore. The illegals are really scapegoats. The economy is bad, times are bad and they are getting the blame. Should they be here illegally? No. Are they causing all of our economic and drug problems? NO. This town has been in denial of it's drug problems since I was a teenager 30 years ago when there were NO hispanics here, legally or otherwise. The economy is a mess because of people way higher up on the food chain than illegals, look at our government and big business for the answer to that one. Hitler blamed the Jews for the worlds woes and that turned out great, right? Why do I and others compare to Hitler, because it is a horrible trap and this is the kind of thinking that leads to crap like that.

Dearest CW,
I am dismayed that you find it easy to attack the cops. Sounds like you've had some bad experiences. Have you ever walked a mile in one's shoes? I'm guessing probably not. Their job is to uphold the law........and sounds to me from your complaints that they are trying to do just that. Give them a break. They put their lives on the line every day. If you're not brave enough or qualify for training yourself, just quit knocking the people that are out there dealing with the problems being addressed on this and many other issues on a daily basis. Why a "fix it" ticket? Do you suppose it is YOUR responsibility to maintain a SAFE vehicle, within the LAW (since we are being "SO aware" of what is or is not ILLEGAL here). And why do they do it? FOR YOU. Imagine driving at night and encountering a slow driver with no proper rear lights working? Could it be that Mr. Cop wants you and your loved ones safe? Geez. I'm sorry. Did everyone on this blog not snap their fingers and get their "magic answer"? Get over it. It is often the fight and difficult challenges of life that do make us stronger people. I'm sorry. You must have had a ticket recently and are still angry, but the cops are doing their job. I have several officers of the law in my family and unless you've been faced with "life on the line" situations like they have, you just don't know. And guess what? They get paid to put up with ungrateful citizens! Isn't that wonderful? You get to talk to them with complete and utter disrespect and blame them on the blog because you are human and have feelings. Do you think they have them too, perhaps? You see, unless you've babysat the drunks and druggies and insubordinate people who throw petty tantrums over things like tickets, and are still willing to lay their lives on the line and have guns and other horrible things held in their faces.....God love 'em! Did you know, many of the veterans and members of our beloved armed forces that you all stand behind are also cops? Why are they heroes then, but when they give you a ticket you come on here and cut them down? They're willing to put up with YOUR gripes to keep us safe. My family is threatened daily in order to keep our state, communities and jails safe. Lighten up on the cops. You have no idea. You should be thanking them and stepping up to the plate to help instead of being critical, for crying out loud. These blogs have disappointed me to no end over the last several months and not even on this issue. Everyone has a solution.........everyone has an answer. Everyone KNOWS the law, and yet...........I find it hard to believe that this is completely true, considering the horrendous amount of poor spelling and uneducated accusations. Yea, you're all experts and crusaders. Whatever. Get over yourselves. Respect the law. Respect the people that do their best to uphold it. And for Heaven's sake, have enough respect for yourselves to take the time to learn to spell your gripes properly!!!!! HOW CAN YOU EXPECT TO CREATE A BETTER WORLD WHEN YOU DON'T RESPECT YOURSELVES ENOUGH TO NOT COME ACROSS AS EDUCATED PROFESSIONAL? Whoever you are or whatever you do for a living.........at least give yourself that! C'mon, you are ALL better than this. Make your opinions in your best possible, professional way. Stop belittling others in order to make yourselves feel better. YOU ARE better than this and your community deserves you to pay closer attention to professional details, like spelling and being a big enough person to not belittle someone else/single out a group that is trying their best to daily be part of the solution, not sit around and grip about the many problems that we face.

ANSWERING "MAMMA'S" QUESTION:

Most people know this is NOT about race. This is about people breaking the law. This is about people who have an entire disrespect for our country. They come here illegally, steal identities to take jobs from Americans. This is about people who refuse to learn our language and assimilate.

I have yet to hear even one criminal alien apologize for the problems they cause. I have yet to hear even one criminal alien offer to pay back the expenses they incur in our hospitals....My health insurance has tripled in the last 15 years because I am forced to pay for the medical expenses incurred by those criminal aliens. Instead of paying me back, those criminal aliens send their money back to their motherland. They are loyal to their race and motherland and THAT is racism!

The only racists are those who think people with tan skin should be able to break our laws with impunity.

To all postees; As a nam vet and a proud MARINE I feel the need to express my AMERICAN Opinion. I hope Fremont get's all their signatures and then some and the ordinance is passed. I then hope all cities follow suit.We need to take our country back.