this is in yahoo news
N.J. immigration law sparks protest
RIVERSIDE, N.J. - Hundreds of protesters and counter-protesters assembled in this small Philadelphia suburb Sunday in response to the community's new attempt to crack down on illegal immigration. Protesters argued against a township ordinance adopted last month that bans the hiring and housing of people who cannot verify they are legal residents. A larger group massed across the street to support the new law.
People on both sides of the street waved American flags.
The protest organizer vowed to invite new immigrants to Riverside if people are forced to leave.
"For every immigrant who feels afraid and leaves Riverside, we are going to find an immigrant to volunteer to come live in Riverside," the Rev. Miguel Rivera told the Courier-Post of Cherry Hill for Sunday editions. "Riverside is going to be ours."
Rivera, president of the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders, is leading the opposition to the Illegal Immigration Relief Act in this community of about 8,000 people.
The ordinance punishes landlords and employers who house or hire illegal immigrants. Local officials estimate that as many as 3,500 illegal immigrants, many from Brazil, live in the town.
The ordinance is similar to one passed in July in Hazleton, Pa., and comes as other towns across the nation are considering such measures.
Both the Riverside and Hazleton ordinances have been challenged in federal court
2006-08-20
17:37:47
·
19 answers
·
asked by
hayleylov
6
in
Immigration