Columbus: Illegal immigrants barred from programs

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What happened: A first step toward pulling county money from programs that benefit illegal immigrants was taken by commissioners Monday.
Why it matters: With the numbers of illegal immigrants estimated at 8 million to 11million in North Carolina, according to the 2000 census, Commissioner James Prevatte said Columbus County needs to conserve its resources by not paying for services to those not in the country legally. Gaston and Lincoln counties have already adopted similar policies, Prevatte said. It’s a key issue for sheriffs across North Carolina, Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten told commissioners. He said he’s looking into a program through the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help get illegal immigrants identified and deported. Prevatte’s six-point resolution would require the county to: cease funding local programs to the extent that they serve illegal residents; cease contracting with businesses who are identified as using identifiable illegal residents; ask the Sheriff’s Office to “diligently battle the ever-increasing criminal element which is growing daily with the influx of illegal residentsâ€