"And often, many types of legal issues can be decided in this type of ruling."

As Kobach described it, "75 percent of the ordinance goes into effect. And I believe the ordinance will achieve the objective it was intended to achieve, regardless of whether that's 75 percent or 100 percent."

The objective is "discouraging illegal immigration in the jurisdiction of Fremont."

In meeting that objective, he said, the city protects its citizens from unlawful competition for jobs, reduces the financial burden that goes with residents living there illegally and combats the potential for crimes to be committed by those living there illegally.

"And I think all three of those will be served by being able to put three quarters of the ordinance in effect."

He said employers must start using E-Verify by May 4.

In a prepared statement, Fremont City Attorney Paul Payne said the City Council will discuss the ramifications of the court ruling on Feb. 28. Payne said there will be no decision on implementation until then.

In another prepared statement, Amy Miller of ACLU Nebraska also portrayed the outcome as a victory and said it "should be a signal to other communities that 'show me your papers' is a phrase that belongs in our history books, not modern law."

Reach Art Hovey at 402-473-7223 or at ahovey@journalstar.com

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