Moving Forward in Farmers Branch

Let the Voters Decide was formed to oppose the controversial immigration ordinances adopted in the Dallas suburb of Farmers Branch, Texas – and to inform the community of the ordinances’ 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…”

One year later, on May 29, 2008, a federal judge agreed. In response to a series of lawsuits that were filed against the city, U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay struck down Ordinance 2903, stating that "the court concludes that only the federal government may determine whether an individual is legally in the United States.” On September 29, 2008, city officials announced they would not seek an appeal, instead opting to pursue a new ordinance, Ordinance 2952.

U.S. District Judge Jane Boyle has issued a preliminary injunction against 2952, blocking the city from enforcing the ordinance. A trial is expected to take place in the near future, perhaps before the end of this year.

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

Judge Blocks 2903: Read the Court Order