As the national debate over illegal immigration reignites, Farmers Branch remains in the middle of the battle as city leaders refuse to accept the unconstitutionality of rules they put in place to prevent illegal immigrants from renting homes. The Dallas suburb plans to appeal a court ruling against its ordinance, which would prevent landlords from renting houses or apartments to illegal immigrants — and it hopes to serve as an example to other communities trying to deal with illegal immigration.
"Farmers Branch is a town of law and order ... a patriotic, American-loving town," Mayor Tim O'Hare said. "I think this is important for America. It's important to show other cities and towns that you can make a difference, you can stand up for what's right."
This comes as cities such as Hazleton, Pa., and states including Arizona and Oklahoma work to address problems they believe are brought on by illegal immigration.
Arizona ignited a political firestorm Friday when Republican Gov. Jan Brewer signed what is believed to be the nation's toughest anti-illegal-immigrant law. President Barack Obama blasted the bill as "misguided" and told the Justice Department to determine whether it's legal.
Democrats in Congress want to overhaul federal immigration laws before year's end.