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Fremont forms illegal immigration petition drive

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By The Associated Press

Sunday, Sep 07, 2008 - 04:08:18 pm CDT

FREMONT, Neb. — A group of Fremont residents has kicked off an effort to force a special election on an ordinance dealing with illegal immigration.

About two dozen people gathered Saturday morning to hand out petitions and start work. The effort comes after the city council rejected a measure that would have banned renting to and hiring illegal immigrants.

The petition organizers need to gather about 3,000 signatures of registered voters in Fremont within the next six months. That represents 20 percent of registered voters.

“Unfortunately the city council let us down,” said John Wiegert, one of three people leading the drive. “So ... (we) thought, ’What can we do to help the people of Fremont?’ This is our way to get the vote to the people.”

Petition drive organizers had hoped to get the measure on the November ballot. But that plan would have required turning in enough verified signatures and getting the council to approve a resolution by Sept. 2.

Wiegert said they would like to collect the signatures in the next two months.

The petition drive seeks to put before voters the same ordinance that failed to make it through the city council in July.

Council members voted 4-4, and Mayor Skip Edwards cast a deciding vote against the ordinance.

“I feel we were let down; we were cheated by the city council,” said Wiegert, who led Saturday’s rally. “We would like to get it in people’s hands and put it back to your vote.”

Wiegert said they need help on the petition drive if it’s going to be successful.

“Everybody knows somebody, whether it’s family, friends, a few neighbors,” he said. “Grab a petition, keep it for a couple of weeks until you get it filled out.”


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Blanca Libertad wrote on September 7, 2008 4:43 pm:
" This land is our land. No human being is illegal! Ningun ser humano es ilegal! "

 Ah......... wrote on September 7, 2008 4:56 pm:
" Racism is strong in Fremont, Nebraska. Have you started posted your signs to restrict access to everything else based on race.

It would serve the City of Fremont right if every business and rental property was boycotted. "

 Puzzled wrote on September 7, 2008 5:23 pm:
" This is a federal issue. You will lose in court. "

 Frustrated wrote on September 7, 2008 6:40 pm:
" Keep up the good work (legal) citizens of Fremont! Oust those who are here illegally. Send them packing! "

 Late ODay wrote on September 7, 2008 8:20 pm:
" A lot of this reminds me of the "unisex toilet" scare that used to help defeat the Equal Rights Amendment. ("What? If this passes then separate public bathrooms would be illegal?") If you actually speak to someone from Fremont (and I grew up there) on this issue, just ask them: "What specific and concrete problems exist that you are trying to remedy?" you will see them sputter, hem and haw, roll their eyes and silently stare at their feet. See, there really isn't much of a problem, so their imagination runs wild and they envision a multitude of potential problems that might occur, blah-blah-blah. Or they'll use immigration as a scapegoat issue to explain away a dozen unrelated problems ("I can't get a job because Jose is took it from me!" Nevermind that the economy sucks and that job wouldn't be there regardless.) It's the same old story -- paranoia about "the Other". Politicians love scaring people with "the Other", cuz it helps to manipulate them. The people themselves love to blame "the Other" because it simplifies things when you can point to an outside group and blame them for all your problems. Fremont is basically a good town. Just a few too many people listening to Rightwing radio and taking it seriously. "

 Donnie wrote on September 7, 2008 8:20 pm:
" Thank God!! Someone has FINALLY stepped up to the plate to take care of this problem. I have no problems with immigrants- LEGAL immigrants. I'm tired of illegals taking advantage of our hospitals, then not paying for care, and not paying taxes. Thank you Fremont, for leading the way and not backing down the the liberal criticism for "racism" they've tried to label it. "

 Uhhum wrote on September 7, 2008 9:30 pm:
" They pay taxes if they hold a job...they pay taxes when they buy things in stores...there is taxes paid by illegals....

Do you know how hard and expensive becoming legal is....and how long it takes...no one becomes legal immediately...it takes time.

I am amazed at this everytime I read it.... "

 Fred Marks wrote on September 7, 2008 10:03 pm:
" I wonder how many of the residents of Fremont would be there if the rule for immigrants in 1900 were what they are today? How many of their ancestors spoke English when they came here?

I know...for myself...my Grandma never learned English to any great extent. However, she loved this country and she loved me and I never learned to speak German. We spoke the language of love...Grandman to Grandson!

My Grandfather built Fords in Detroit! They helped him learn enough English to say...DOLLAR!!! They did not complain and neither did he.

If you are not a Native American...shut up!!! "

 Jeff wrote on September 7, 2008 11:21 pm:
" There is a rising tide of all the illegal things that illegals do. The Nebraska State patrol says that over 90% of the methamphetimen coming to the U.S. is coming from Mexico.

The majority of Nebraskans support Fremonts drive to help put pressure on the illegals. This is one step to the USA regaining our country. "

 Pedro Smith wrote on September 7, 2008 11:33 pm:
" Make sure you lable your water fountains and make them a place where they can eat in the back of your resturants. Oh, and don't forget to tell them they have to sit in the back of the bus. Is Fremont part of Nebraska??? As a Nebraskan this is embarrasing!!!! Not paying taxes??? Do some research Donnie...Millions of dollars are not claimed by illegal immagrants every year. I doubt that many that are deported get W-2's to file their taxes. They pay the same TAXES you do!!! Mr. Wiegert immigrants come in all colors...Make sure you tell everbody what the new rules are. Better yet, why not post them on the city limit signs...It will give them a chance to turn around rather than to face "Racism" at it's finest!!!!! "

 Larry D. wrote on September 8, 2008 1:36 am:
" Why would any (legal) citizen refer to this petition as racist? The city council & mayor are just playing politics, as usual, and won't endorse something that the growing (illegal) hispanic population of Fremont will later protest, etc. The issues of national sovereignty and border security have become laughing stocks via political correctness, janus-faced employers & impotent policy otherwise. The fact is: When you "endorse" illegal immigration, at least from south of the border, you also endorse murderous drug and "coyote" organized crime cartels. Any of you "Blanca Libertads" heard of a place called Ciudad Juarez? "

 Clay wrote on September 8, 2008 2:25 am:
" Hey Blanca,

If you are here illegaly then by definition you are illegal! Which part of that simple concept do you not understand?? I get so sick of do-gooders with no concept of reality, castigating the rest of us who, God forbid, take a stand against people who have no right to be here whatsoever! When does this BS stop? When do we stand up, as a nation, and put and end to this insanity? "

 Galen wrote on September 8, 2008 6:35 am:
" GOOD! Now, if the rest of the country would only enforce the law instead of allowing these people to break it, we could start to get our country back. Most of the people who came to this country in the 1800's came here LEGALLY, and were willing to become part of THIS country. THAT'S why we are here today. Maybe, if we send the illegals back home, then Americans will get off thier duff's and get back to work. These people SHOULD live in fear - they are ILLEGAL. "

 Lincolnite wrote on September 8, 2008 6:47 am:
" Sure these illegal immigrants pay taxes---under someone else's identity, which is also a crime in the United States. So, not only are they here illegal, they are stealing someone's identity. I suppose that is OK, too? "

 BYOB wrote on September 8, 2008 7:35 am:
" Our forefathers were proccessed through Ellis Island by our Govt. they didn't sneak into this country, do you see any differance here yet?
Yes, they built this country, they didn't drain it of it's resources, they learned our language immediatly and made sure their children did too and stood up and said God Bless America, do you see any differance yet?
Good job Fremont, send those ILLEGAL IMIGRANTS packiing and fine anyone who helps them, rents to them or employs them and NEVER forget 09/11. "

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on September 8, 2008 7:50 am:
" Well if we can just ignore the law I guess I won't be paying any attention to the smoking ban coming up or I might put up a casino, I won't be using my seatbelt or a helmet when riding a motorcycle. "

 Shadow wrote on September 8, 2008 8:18 am:
" to all the bleeding hearts that are defending the ILLEGAL imigrants: do us a favor, cross the border into a foreign country without going throught customs and without any passport, travel or work visa. get caught with none of this paperwork. see what happens to an american citizen under these conditions. also, use the excue that it was just to expensive to get all of the paperwork. I just know that that would convince the local police to let you go. (open door, insert sarcasm here ______________) next time i do something illegal and get caught, i am going to use the defense: any local or state gov't verses any illegal citizen. obviously if these gov'ts wont touch them for any reason at all, i should be treated the same way. "

 disgusted wrote on September 8, 2008 8:30 am:
" Its about time. Do you realize the jobs that would be CREATED if illegal immigrants were forced out? Excel in Nebraska City should be on the top of the list. Its so pathetic here that they give priority for tutors, after-school clubs & extra classes for mexican kids and guess who pays for with the tax money? Me and You! I have no problem with legal immigrants, but they work under false names, live 100 to a home and dont pay taxes. Some even get more pay because they speak spanish and can talk to the other workers. I for one am sick and tired of this and paying for someone elses way of life. Most of the money they make they send back to Mexico and I promise you they are living large there too considering how far the American dollar stretches there. Maybe, since it has been mentioned how expensive it is to become legal, they should save their hard earned stolen money for their papers- and maybe some English classes. We should have put up a wall along time ago! "

 If wrote on September 8, 2008 9:43 am:
" If you are here legally you have nothing to worry about, do you. If you are illegal, you should be afraid, you are breaking the law. Something needs to be done to get our country back or it will only be a matter of time befotr the US becomes a third world country like the one these illegals are fleeing from. "

 Outside the Box wrote on September 8, 2008 10:24 am:
" For the 19th time. . . people come here illegally because there are jobs here. If you crack down on the people that hire/employ illegals, they will stop hiring/employing illegals.

When there are no more jobs, they will stop coming. "

 J wrote on September 8, 2008 10:41 am:
" Let's get all the illegals out and watch our country's infrastructure collapse!

Why not just make it easier for them to become citizens? "

 Liberal against Illegals wrote on September 8, 2008 11:38 am:
" Please don't think that just because someone is liberal, they're ok with illegal immigrants. While I think that "disgusted" represents a true racist (are sure they're ALL from Mexico?--referring to all of them as "Mexicans" would imply that; not all Hispanics are Mexicans), just because someone is against illegal immigration doesn't mean they are racist. I don't see the connection. I don't have a problem with illegal immigrants because of their race or ethnicity; I have a problem with them because they are ILLEGAL.

As for them paying taxes, IF they're paying taxes, "Lincolnite" is right--they're using a false identity. Many illegal immigrants are paid unreported cash and do not file taxes. (I know some of them personally.)

I truly feel for people who come from poor countries with no running water, no electricity. But coming to this country illegally, using our resources illegally, and taking advantage of our services illegally is not right.

There is a reason the process to become legal is lengthy and expensive. If you're not willing to take the time or pay the price, then stay where you are. Stop raping this country. "

 Lindsay wrote on September 8, 2008 11:40 am:
" Some news for those saying "they send all their money back home" - legal immigrants do as well! I'm sure your ancestors helped out family in the old country too! Really, is using reason out of vogue these days in Nebraska? "

 Fremont.. wrote on September 8, 2008 1:31 pm:
" This is the only way that anybody from that town can be allowed any pride.. Congrats fremont, you think you know how to take care of the country without being able to take care of yourselves.. And for the record, we are not laughing with you... (I know because I was raised there, and inspired by all the white rednecks to better myself with their self-destructive/incoherent behavior as a guideline of what not to do) "

 Good Work wrote on September 8, 2008 3:45 pm:
" I would like to congratulate the citizens of Fremont on keeping this going. Fremont will be a example for the rest of the nation to follow. This makes my self proud to be a Nebraskan. A state that cares enough to solve the problems that the Federal gov can't. I am sorry that I am not a voter in Fremont so I cannot sign this. Maybe I could move there so then I could be a part of this great petition to make America better. "

 jonathan wrote on September 8, 2008 4:03 pm:
" To those in Fremont--

Good luck on not going broke trying to defend the ordinance if it passes. It's destined to lose in federal courts. The only thing that will show of it is a city in debt from legal challenges similar to those in other towns.

The citizens calling for this ordinance will be the same ones revolting over (1) city services being cut and/or (2) taxes being increased to cover the burden of a legal challenge. "

 Kristine wrote on September 8, 2008 4:25 pm:
" Why is it that 'everybody' thinks they know everything about each and every one of these people? How is their life your business? Really? They are ALLLLLL using false identification? Really, you know who the illegals are? How do you know? Oh, you can TELL, huh? Or someone said? They bring GANGS? Where's your backup on that? I can't stand to read post after post after post, month after month on this issue, when it is CLEAR that all you're doing is spewing hatred that spouts from gossip from unsophisticates (I know, big word, huh?) who can't write or spell to make their point, anyway. "

 Ned wrote on September 8, 2008 4:59 pm:
" I can only guess the petition is to vote on the same illegal law as what the council let go of. Why does Fremont want to vote on a law that is destined to waste tons of money in the courts to find out it is against the law to discriminate against people on the basis of "National Origin." Maybe these people do not know as much about the laws of this land as people who have taken the test to become and American citizen? "

 Process wrote on September 8, 2008 5:30 pm:
" You say the process to become legal is lengthy and expensive because you need to put in time and pay the price, but you forget many immigrants come here with nothing and come here to make a living, yet they must pay over a $1000 for processing and then wait...they must also find a sponser (hard if know no one).... Gosh for a lot of us, $1000 would be too much and we are legal.

It is the most ridiculous process. "

 phil wrote on September 8, 2008 5:50 pm:
" They are no longer the immigrant we need to keep that in mind that the population has over come the Americans.They fill jobs that no one eles is willing to work reason the pay or just to dirty for them or we are just to lazy to work. "

 law wrote on September 8, 2008 9:34 pm:
" This is not anti-immigrant...its anti-law breakers. You steal a social security number, or have came in undocumeted, it doesn't matter how hard working or kind you are, you have still broke the law.
Take the emotion out of it...send the law-breakers back and have them get in line with the others who have been waiting according to the law. "

 funny wrote on September 9, 2008 1:18 am:
" The only people that are going to profit from this whole mess are the attorneys...honestly. Get a grip and love your neighbor as yourself. If every illegal was sent back to their native country, I'm sure the vacant jobs would get filled without a doubt, but employers would go broke paying what americans expect. Americans just take everything for granted because we are used to everything in abundance. So when we see someone taking pride in something that we see as disposable or beneath us, it bothers us to the degree that we feel humiliated. So, instead of changing our ways, we try to take away the source. In the end, we only harm those who genuinely mean well. In an effort to save their family or themselves, they have abandoned their entire life of familiarities to come to a foreign land, with foreign people in hopes for a better life. Instead, their hopes and dreams of a great country is shattered when we tell them that they are not welcome here. Seriously, what would you do if your family was dying and poverty stricken and your only hope was to come to a strange place where people work in fairly good conditions and are promised a regular paycheck? Even a meat factory atmosphere is better than scavenging through a landfill for an evening meal. Think about it and put yourself in someone else's shoes instead of your $400 Gucci loafers. "

 wrong petition wrote on September 9, 2008 5:20 am:
" Hiring undocumented workers is already illegal. You don't have to waste your money reiterating that. You can pimp all the petitions and pass all the ordinances you want, but what good will it do besides stir up a lot of racist rants to the newspaper? Fremont people, enforce the laws you already have. Force the state to step up and DO THEIR JOB. The Governor loves it when you blame the illegal workers-it gives him another future campaign talking point. Do you know which employers hire illegals? Can you prove it? Quit sniveling about it and demand action. You already have the law on your side. "

 some facts on the costs to immigrate wrote on September 9, 2008 2:40 pm:
" You people that say it is expensive to come here legally have no facts to back up your positions. You state that they come here for jobs, ok lets take a look at the costs associated with coming as a nonimmigrant or immigrant worker. The PETITIONER pays the processing costs, ie the employer. The BENEFICIARY, ie the immigrant or nonimmigrant pays nothing. So if someone wants to come here to work, they can contact a company and have the paperwork started for them.

By the way, I have seen several documentaries about the costs many illegal entrants pay for coyotes or other smugglers to enter, and it costs far more than going from immigrant worker to a permanent resident or citizen.

I work for CIS so I know the process and costs. "

 nobody is illegal wrote on September 9, 2008 2:44 pm:
" What a crazy comment. Try to enter illegally in any other country in the world, especially a central or south american country and see what happens. Since Hispanics were brought up here by several, try to get into Mexico illegally or overstay a visa. Not only will you be tracked down and arrested, you will spend large amounts of time in jail. You cannot use the lame line "no human being is illegal" or "Ningun ser humano es ilegal! " they will laugh in your face and still arrest you. So you decide which laws are ok to abide by? Can I not pay my taxes, can I speed whenever I want, can I steal some groceries or gas and that is fine too?

As for racism, you who are claiming people against illegals are the ones bringing up race. Illegal aliens come from every country int he world, and a large number of illegal aliens are actually visa overstays from mostly eastern europe. Not every illegal is brown, so stop cheerleading for them. "

 to some facts... wrote on September 9, 2008 5:57 pm:
" I know the cost to as I have sponsored family and yes they do pay....Employers don't sponsor all the time...family does. "

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