The ordinance isn't aimed specifically at illegal immigrants, but targets people who hire them or rent to them.

Council members said the ordinance is intended to restrict the number of illegal immigrants, but critics said it will only lead to discrimination.

Council has spent months writing and revamping the ordinance in order to avoid violating state and federal guidelines.

A similar ordinance enacted the Hazleton, Pa., received negative attention. However, Mayor Wayne Hippo said Altoona's proposed ordinance has actually received praise form the Congressional Research Service.

"While it's the same concept, this ordinance is much more sophisticated and polished to try to address the Constitutional concern that came to play in Hazleton," Hippo said.

He said the ordinance is not intended to create unwanted police investigations. Instead, it will be "complaint driven." Hippo said he doesn't expect police to spend much additional time on the illegal immigration issue.

The mayor said he is confident the ordinance will pass at a meeting Wednesday night, but, if not, Hippo said it's back to the drawing board.

Stay with Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.