From News Dispaches NEW YORK: A proposed law prohibiting discrimination against aliens in employment housing and government services in New York City was passed unanimously on June 19 by a committee of the City Council.
The protections would extend to illegal aliens except in employment discrimination. The 1986 Federal immigration law bars employers from hiring illegal aliens and council bill excluded conflicts with Federal laws.
But the bill provides for the city to grant some licenses such as vendor licenses to sell food, without requiring applicants to prove they are authorized to work in the United States.
The provision will provide an opportunity for undocumented aliens to earn a living, Council woman Susan D. Alter, who introduced the bill, said.
A spokesman for the Federal Immigration and Naturalization Service, Verne Jervis opposed the bill, saying it would violate the spirit of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Councilwoman Alter said she expected the bill to be passed by the full Council and signed into law next month; She added that it would be the first municipal law of its kind.
Mayor Edward I. Koch’s office said later that he is expected to sign it.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 30, 1989
