Escondido Housing Ban Threatens Human Rights
Community Residents Call For Justice
San Diego, CA (October 11) — On October 4, by a 3-2 vote, the Escondido City Council in California introduced a potential ban that would keep landlords from renting to those they believe — or suspect — are undocumented workers and migrants. While the Council’s follow-up vote on the ban will not occur until October 18, plenty of attention has been given to the significance of the City Council’s actions.
This measure places undue burden and hardship on the city’s undocumented workers and migrants. The proposed rental ban raises serious concerns about the infringement of the basic civil and human rights of every Escondido City resident. It also potentially violates federal fair housing laws, and encourages racial profiling, while at its base, does little to address access to decent, affordable and livable housing for the city’s 140,000 residents.
To defeat this immoral act, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) San Diego regional office will collaborate with the Escondido Human Rights Committee, a community group comprised of Escondido residents, local faith institutions and others who are committed to dialogue and peaceful action.
AFSC will distribute a letter to Mayor Mary Holt Pfeiler and Escondido City Council members urging that the potential rental ban be abolished. Instead, Escondido’s leadership should promote constructive dialogue and strive for a just resolution that addresses the city’s housing needs.
The Service Committee believes that the City of Escondido’s elected leadership, including Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler and the five-member City Council, must reject divisive actions that escalate anti-immigrant tensions. Grounded in deplorable generalizations, this measure ignores one of Escondido’s stated core values: to “recognize and embrace the rich diversity of the community and workplace by creating an environment that respects the human dignity of all…”
Conversely, during this period of national discussion on immigration legislation, Escondido could demonstrate enlightened and emboldened leadership that serves as a national model for sound and logical immigration reform policy.
Backed by an 89-year history working for peace, justice and reconciliation in troubled areas of the world, American Friends Service Committee is a faith-based organization grounded in Quaker beliefs respecting the dignity and worth of every person regardless of their immigration status. The AFSC Project Voice immigrant rights initiative presses for comprehensive immigration reform that does not diminish the civil and human rights of immigrants, refugees or asylees.
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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
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