Miami, June 22 .- The small town of Fremont, Nebraska in the United States approved on Monday a new immigration law that prohibits hiring and renting property to illegal immigrants.

The city of just 25,000 residents jumped into national spotlight after calling on its population to vote for the controversial ordinance. It is estimated that 60 percent of the voters approved the law.

Supporters of the measure say that federal officials do not properly enforce immigration laws, while several opponents emphasize that this new ordinance will only bring discrimination.

The American Civil Liberties Union announced that it will file a lawsuit against the ordinance to avoid its application.

One of Fremont’s municipal councilors who opposes the initiative, Scott Getzschman said that "in a community of 25,000, it's going to be hard to take on (illegal immigration for) the whole country, and it will be costly to do so," but added that he would respect the decision of the majority.

The ordinance requires all business owners to verify immigration documents of their employees. It would also require potential renters to apply for a city license that would be denied to illegal immigrants.

This only adds pressure on a reform for illegal immigration. Just two months ago the immigration law SB 1070 was passed, which empowers police to ask people about their immigration status if there's a "reasonable suspicion" they are in the country illegally.

The SB 1070 passed in Arizona, May 23 by Governor Jan Brewer has been called “racist” by several immigrant rights organizations, while other U.S. cities have discussed the possibility of adopting similar legislatures in their regions.

The administration of president Barack Obama, has stated it will file a lawsuit against the SB 1070, for considering that it has violated several amendments of the American Constitution.

Luis Velarde (LAV)