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City to focus on illegal immigration

7/14/2005 6:44 PM
By: Adam Shub, News 14 Carolina
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory wants to take a closer look at illegal immigration.

Citing public safety concerns, he has urged local officials to report on the problem and how it is enforced.

“It's time we talk about it as opposed to keeping it under the radar screen,� McCrory said Thursday.

Many illegal immigrants serve local businesses and help them prosper. Others are involved in criminal activity. McCrory would like to make it easier to distinguish between the two groups.

"There is no consistent policy on dealing with people who are building most of the buildings that we have here in Charlotte,� he said.

Alan Gordon, one of McCrory’s top advisers, said a proposed task force could lead to a solution. He also said temporary work visas would serve the city’s financial needs while helping police rein in criminals.

"It would require people to come forward and be identified,� Gordon said. “Let's get biometrics on them, let’s get fingerprints, let’s get photographs. Let’s know who we have and where they are.�

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Jim Pendergraph said something has to be done.

"You wouldn't believe the rigmarole we have to go through … to determine if they’re legal or not,� he said.

According to Pendergraph, his jails are already overcrowded.

"I can go out on the street and get people to admit they're here illegally and put them in jail,� Pendergraph said. “But then what are you going to do with them?"

Web Journalist: Kyle Almond