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4/21/2006 6:30 PM
By: Tim Boyum & Web Staff
News 14 Carolina

(RALEIGH) -- The huge jump in the Hispanic population is no secret but that impact on North Carolina's economy was unknown until a UNC study was released in January.

“It's comprehensive findings give us a clear balanced perspective on the huge opportunities laying ahead for sustained growth for the state of North Carolina with the leverage contribution of the Hispanic workforce,” said Armando Ortiz Rocha of the NC Mexican Consulate.

The study finds about 600,000 Hispanics live in North Carolina, 55 percent legally and 45 percent illegally. It also finds Hispanic spending brings about $9 billion to the state's economy and they fill about one of every three new jobs.


In Charlotte it adds $2 billion to the economy and 17,000 thousand jobs. The numbers are about the same in the Raleigh-Durham area. It's even larger statewide.

“This consumer spending generated almost 90,000 jobs,” said UNC research John Kasarda. “These are additional jobs, not the Hispanic jobs. Some may be held by Hispanics but most are not. These are jobs generated by Hispanic spending.”

One of every three construction workers is Hispanic. That means they contribute to about 27,000 houses built every year and about $980 million in labor costs.

As the numbers increase in the years ahead, researchers believe North Carolina needs to use the information to try and lure in Latin American companies.

But others believe we need to focus on making sure immigrants who are here and who are here legally.

“Illegal aliens are supposed to be deported, employers that hire illegal aliens are supposed to be fined, the border is supposed to be secured,” said William Gheen of Americans for Legal Immigration. “Our problem is not new laws, it's enforcement of our current laws.”

That argument has led to a fiery debate on Capitol Hill over immigration laws. Some want a fence built along the U.S./Mexican border. Others want to make sure illegals who commit crimes are kicked out.

U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) added, “No more excuses, no more endless appeals, you're drunk, you're driving, you're illegal, you're deported, period.”

The debate has led thousands of immigrants onto the streets across the country and right here in North Carolina.


Raleigh resident Evaristo Sauceto said, “We'd like to say to Congress to help us out, you know, we are humans, we have feelings, we'd like to stay in here and we are so proud to stay here. We want to stay here forever."

“Hispanics labor,” said Hispanic advocate Enrique Nassar. “We are here and we are working hard. We pay taxes and we encourage the other immigrants to pay taxes. But we need equal rights.”

Many immigrants also want reform but they want an amnesty program that allows illegals to work here.

Cary resident Alice Kunka said, “The immigration reform would allow people to be here for the jobs that are here, and then allow them down the path to citizenship."

“If they give the guest worker amnesty to the 12 million illegal workers we'll have another 10-12 million on our heads so fast it'll make your head spin,” Gheen continued.

As the national debate continues, a state debate also continues over proposed laws involving driver’s licenses and security issues.

“I think there's going to be a wait and see attitude on what the federal government is going to do and if the federal government doesn't address the issue in a way that suits leaders in North Carolina, then you might see some legislation in North Carolina,” said Peace College Political Expert David McLennan.