The Oregon House approved a law on Monday that stops landlords from inquiring about tenants’ immigration status.
Lawmakers voted 36-15 in favor of this bill, following a similar decision made by state senators about two months earlier.
“For too long, our immigrant community has lived under a cloud of uncertainty and fear,” said state Representative Leslie Muñoz. She expressed that this legislation represents a significant move towards ensuring that all Oregonians can access safe and stable housing.
Now, it’s up to Governor Tina Kotek to decide if the bill will be signed, rejected, or approved without being signed into law. Other states, like Washington, California, New York, and Illinois, have enacted comparable laws that prevent the legal status of residents from hindering their access to housing.
Oregon has a history of supporting immigrants, having initiated protections in 1987 with the Sanctuary Urban Act, which barred state and local authorities from coordinating with federal immigration enforcement.
However, the Trump administration has suggested penalties for elected officials seen as obstructing U.S. immigration and customs enforcement operations. Alina Haba, the U.S. Attorney General for New Jersey, made a statement in April on Fox News, emphasizing strict enforcement against violent offenders and others, asserting that those who hinder law enforcement might face charges for obstruction.
Others within the Trump administration have indicated plans to pursue legal action in similar cases.
Tensions have escalated between lawmakers and the administration, particularly after protests outside an ICE facility in New Jersey, where Democrat Lamonica Mciver was charged with federal assault after allegations of her shoving an officer during the protest.
Democrats have stood by President Trump amidst ongoing debates on immigration enforcement, leading to further controversy surrounding these actions.
