Landlord Immigration Questions (S 0259)

Individuals seeking housing should be concerned with paying the rent and being good neighbors; they should not have to be concerned about intrusive and unnecessary questions regarding their immigration or citizenship status. Yet, many individuals in need of housing have found themselves facing just these questions. In May, the ACLU testified before the Senate Judiciary committee in support of legislation that would prohibit landlords from asking questions about a tenant or potential tenant’s immigration or citizenship status. Such legislation would go a long way toward protecting Rhode Islanders from harassment, especially those Rhode Islanders who are perceived to be non-citizens, but the bill was not voted on before the end of the year.