Thursday, September 9, 2010

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (AP) -- The town council in a quiet town near the South Carolina coast has refused to ban illegal immigrants from living in the town.

On a 4-3 vote, the council tabled an ordinance requiring renters to prove they are American citizens or in the country legally. The ordinance would have required a verification form be filed with the town.

Several council members warned that the ordinance could lead to lawsuits that could cost the town millions.

The council members deadlocked 3-3 on tabling the motion and Mayor Berlin Myers cast the deciding vote.

After that vote, the council approved by a 5-1 vote another section of the ordinance mirroring South Carolina state law requiring employers in the town to check the immigration status of their employees.

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