http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/14330695.htm

Posted on Thu, Apr. 13, 2006

IMMIGRATION REFORM: DEBATE INTENSIFIES TENSIONS LOCALLY
Alleged remarks prompt Latino walkout at N. Meck
Students say ethnic insults rising as focus on immigration grows

FRANCO ORDOÑEZ
fordonez@charlotteobserver.com

A walkout by a group of Latino students at North Mecklenburg High School on Wednesday highlighted heightened tensions in the Charlotte area over the national illegal immigration debate.

More than 50 students encircled the school and marched a mile toward W.T. Harris Boulevard, holding signs and chanting "Latinos, united, will never be defeated."

The group said it was marching in support of fellow Latino student Tracy Vargas, 14, who says she was called offensive names by other students.

Ethnic insults have increased in recent weeks, students said, as hundreds of thousands of immigrants have gained national attention marching against what they consider anti-immigrant legislation in Congress..

"This has happened before, and the school didn't listen," said Flor Ramirez, a 19-year-old senior. "So, sometimes you have to take other actions so people do listen."

Immigration reform bills under congressional debate, have drawn scrutiny in Charlotte. The region has one of the country's fastest-growing immigrant communities, mostly due to illegal immigration.

Two weeks ago, more than 5,000 immigrants and supporters rallied in uptown Charlotte for immigrant rights. On Monday, hundreds boycotted work, shopping and school. The demonstrations have also been criticized by those wanting stricter enforcement of existing immigration laws.

"People on both sides are very angry and resentful, and they're going to vent their anger in some way," said Ricardo Mata, a Latino activist. "All it takes is one word and tempers flare."

The answering machine at the Latin American Coalition filled with angry messages over the weekend, said Raquel Lynch, the nonprofit's operations and programs director.

"They're awful. Awful," she said.

Wayne Cooper, the state's honorary consul of Mexico, said anger against the Latino community is the most heated he has seen in 25 years.

Americans are increasingly worried about immigration, polls show.

According to the Pew Hispanic Center, a growing number of Americans say they believe immigrants are "a burden to the country, taking jobs and housing and creating strains on the health care system."

Yet the public remains split on what to do about the estimated 11.5 million to 12 million unauthorized migrants. One poll reports that 53 percent say people in the U.S. illegally should be required to go home, while 40 percent say they should be granted some kind of legal status that allows them to stay here.

Such a wide spectrum of opinions can be found at Mr. G's, a Monroe restaurant.

Diners often discuss their views on national policy, said co-owner Tina Stamos.

"I've heard all sides," she said. "It's on the news a lot, so everybody is talking about it. They talk among the tables. They ask the servers. Everyone wants to give their opinion."

At North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, school officials wouldn't discuss details about the alleged insults. But students and Maria Hernandez, Vargas' mother, said her daughter was told Tuesday by other students that she should return to Mexico.

Students learned about the insults later that day and planned the walkout for Wednesday morning.

After the demonstration, Principal Joseph Burch said the school will begin holding regular meetings with administrators and students to improve communication. Five percent of North Meck's students are Hispanic.