Moving Forward in Farmers Branch

Let the Voters Decide was formed to oppose the controversial “immigration ordinance” adopted in Farmers Branch, Texas – and to inform the community of the ordinance’s harmful consequences.

On May 12, 2007, Farmers Branch residents approved Ordinance 2903 – an unconstitutional ordinance that would force apartment owners and managers to verify the citizenship of renters and their families. The Dallas Morning News editorial board called the vote “the biggest Election Day disappointment.” The newspaper wrote, “The city becomes one of the few to pass such an ordinance, a distinction that will prove to be a black eye rather than a badge of honor… The Farmers Branch measure is unworkable and probably unenforceable….”

Four lawsuits were filed against the city relating to its immigration ordinances. In July of 2007, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction – blocking the city from enforcing the ordinance. The judge stated that the court “understands the frustration of cities attempting to address a national problem that the federal government should handle; however, such frustration, no matter how great, cannot serve as a basis to pass an ordinance that conflicts with federal law.” On October 12, the Texas 5th District Court of Appeals in Dallas rejected the city's appeal to dismiss a lawsuit that claims the Farmers Branch City Council violated the state’s open meetings law.

Stay updated and informed. Visit this Web site soon for more information about this important public policy issue.

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Judge Blocks 2903: Read the Court Order