Fearing crackdown, Elsmere's Latinos keep low profile (THIS IS SO WRONG!)

[LynneSin]

So if this law passes - in a nutshell, if you're a latino you could randomly be asked to produce papers to prove your documented. This law is the WORST kind of racial profiling. And as someone who lives mere miles away from this town, you can be rest assured I will not allow crap like this to happen!!


http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2005/04/16fearingcrackdow.html

Fearing crackdown, Elsmere's Latinos keep low profile
Councilman's proposal would fine residents who are undocumented
By MELISSA TYRRELL / The News Journal
04/16/2005

ELSMERE -- Families used to linger by the tomatillos and plantains in the three aisles of Ruby Lopez's Bernal Produce market in Elsmere. Now lone shoppers furtively check off lists and hurry back to cars.

At the attached Mariscos Los Del Fines restaurant, tables used to fill with young men hungry for seafood lunches and a glimpse of Lopez's pretty waitresses. But the Kirkwood Highway restaurant has been empty for more than a month.

Those men stopped coming several weeks ago. They fear the way they look, or the bright blue building with illuminated Spanish words outside, could make them stand out in the town of 5,800.

And since March, no one has wanted to stand out.

That's when word got out that an Elsmere councilman proposed an ordinance to fine undocumented residents $100 if they are stopped by the police. Their landlords and employers could face fines of $1,000.

"This is a racial profiling ordinance if I've ever seen one," said Maria Matos, executive director of the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington. She said she doesn't think the council has done enough research on the proposal's legality.

The ordinance won't be introduced until May's City Council meeting. But already residents are living in fear, worried - whether they are legal or not - that they'll be confronted by a stranger.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. I don't see how the town can do this...

since immigration and such are Federal responsibilities.

Actually, I think I'm more worried about the idea of randomly stopping ANYONE on the street and asking for papers.

This place is becoming more like Stalinist Russia every day.

[cyberpj]

2. Elsmere election may settle fate of plan

Now we'll see how our locals really feel about this, 'eh?

Elsmere election may settle fate of plan
By MELISSA TYRRELL / The News Journal
04/29/2005ELSMERE --

The fate of a contentious town ordinance to crack down on illegal immigration in Elsmere could rest with the candidates voters choose during Saturday's town election.

There are only three contested races, including that of mayor. But these races may determine whether an ordinance to fine undocumented residents and their landlords and employers is considered May 12.

http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2005/04/29elsmereelection.html