Cherokee County Proposes Illegal Alien Renter Measure
County Proposes (Illegal) Immigrant Renter Measure
WXIA TV Atlanta
Monday, November 17, 2008
CANTON, Ga. — One Metro county is trying again to crack down on illegal immigrants living and working in the area.
Cherokee County is proposing that every renter get a permit. Anyone not from this country could be investigated and if they’re not legal, kicked out of their apartment. Also, businesses could lose their licenses if they hire illegal immigrants.
As Cherokee County commissioners consider a new ordinance to crack down on illegal immigrants working and living in the area, Billy and Cathy Inman sat solemnly in the back row. Many say it is their story that prompted these very discussions.
“I lost my son to an illegal alien on Father’s Day 2000,” said Billy Inman.
It was a statement that brought the room to dead silence.
“We sat at a red light in Ellijay,” Billy said. “He plowed into us, sat in the road. My son and the family dog died at the scene. ”
Kathy Inman has been in a wheel chair ever since. A picture of her son is on the back of it, next to a bigger picture of the man who police say caused the accident and later walked away from the hospital never to be seen again.
For Meg Rogers, who heads up the Cherokee Violence Center, the proposed ordinance is too broad, and will end up sending the wrong message.
“It’s difficult to help victims of domestic violence who do not have status, because they’re afraid to ask for help,” Rogers said.
An issue that landed Cherokee County with a court injunction the first time — and maybe again. But some — like the Inmans — say it’s worth it.
“I just wish you’d open your eyes,” Billy Inman said. “Because some day it could happen to anyone in this room.”
Representatives of the Mexican-American Legal and Defense Fund also took to the podium Monday night. They say the proposed ordinance is unconstitutional. They took the county to court over the first proposed ordinance two years ago — and it’s still tied up there. They said they’re prepared to fight against this one as well.