This week, the city of Farmers Branch , Texas unanimously approved strict anti-immigration legislation.  The Dallas Morning News reports that Farmers Branch ’s city council, in a series of 6-0 votes, approved English as the town’s official language, approved fines for landlords that deal with illegal immigrants, and decided to allow local authorities to screen suspects in police custody to see whether they are in the country illegally.  With these votes, the Dallas suburb has become the first Texas municipality to enact strong anti-immigration laws.  

Such resistance to illegal immigration troubles many in the state, in which many Latinos can trace their roots to an era before Texas statehood.  Supports say the ordinances are vital because the federal government has failed to address the problem of undocumented immigration.  However, critics of the legislation argue that such proposals could lead to sanctioned discrimination and racism.  

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H.R.5948 : To reauthorize the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004.
Sponsor: Rep Smith, Christopher H. [NJ-4] (introduced 7/27/2006) Committees: House International Relations; House Judiciary; House Financial Services
Latest Major Action: 10/18/2006 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.  

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H.R.6012 : To amend title 5, United States Code, to increase the maximum age for the original appointment of a retired member of the Armed Forces to a border patrol agent position, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Pearce, Stevan [NM-2] (introduced 7/28/2006)      
Committees: House Government Reform
Latest Major Action: 7/28/2006 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform.  

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H.R.6015 : To enhance border security through the use of temporary support personnel, expansion of Border Patrol agent training, increased hiring authority, support for local law enforcement agencies, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Rogers, Mike D. ( AL ) [AL-3] (introduced 7/28/2006)      
Committees: House Homeland Security
Latest Major Action: 7/28/2006 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.  

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S.2611 : A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Specter, Arlen [PA] (introduced 4/7/2006)      
Latest Major Action: 5/25/2006 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Passed Senate with amendments by Yea-Nay Vote. 62 - 36. Record Vote Number: 157