In what is believed to be one of the most sweeping crackdowns in the state, Cherokee County is considering fining property owners who rent apartments to illegal immigrants.
Under the proposal, property owners would have to prove that their tenants are in the country legally. If not, individual landlords could be fined - and larger apartment complexes risk having their business licenses suspended.
Similar measures have been enacted in Texas, California and Pennsylvania. The Association County Commissioners of Georgia believes Cherokee County’s proposal is the first of its kind in the state.
“If more and more county governments begin to enact codes such as this, it may send a message,” said Cherokee County Commissioner Derek Good. “Come here the right way and be welcomed with open arms. Come the wrong way, and frankly, it’s not going to be so comfortable.”
Very well stated, Mr. Good. I applaud you for your efforts.
But…
The idea, though, doesn’t sit well with some landlords.
“That is just stupid talk,” said George Ledford, who rents out two mobile homes in southwest Cherokee County and says he asks for U.S. identification from potential tenants.
Tenants aren’t happy, either.
“If they don’t rent to us, where are we going to live?” said Miguel RodrÃguez, who came to Cherokee from Zacatecas, Mexico, and was trying to find work Tuesday on a street corner as a day laborer.
RodrÃguez, who says he is here illegally, rents a trailer in Cherokee County with five other men, who split the $170 weekly rent.
The ordinance, he said, would discriminate against Hispanics, some of whom won’t be able to make a living if they don’t have a place to live.
“For those who are illegal like me, taking away housing is like taking away our jobs,” RodrÃguez said. “If there is no place to live, then we can’t work either. Where are we going to go, to the woods?”
No, Miguel… Go back to Zacatecas. It’s not discrimination - it’s effective law enforcement. Now beat it!
