Illegal Immigration Dominates Conversation in Prince William

Monday, July 23, 2007; D02

Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) stopped in Prince William County last week to discuss his "100 Ideas for Virginia" initiative with the chamber of commerce, but the conversation quickly turned to the county's biggest gripe: illegal immigration.

During the one-hour forum, audience members, who had a chance to present ideas on any subject related to the direction of the state, spent most of the time talking about the impact of illegal immigrants on their community.

"Don't underestimate Prince William County. We've have just begun on this illegal immigration issue," said Lois Battistoni, a 73-year-old retiree and resident of Lake Ridge to nods among dozens of business leaders and residents at the town hall meeting.

Prince William, which has one of the fastest-growing Hispanic populations in the region, has been among the most aggressive jurisdictions on the matter. This month, the county's board of supervisors approved a measure that would curb illegal immigrants' access to public services and require local police to verify residency status of anyone in custody suspected of being in the country illegally.

Battistoni, a volunteer in the Help Save Manassas anti-illegal immigration group, said undocumented immigrants pose a burden on hospitals, schools, jails and other public services. She fears crime is going up in the county because of an influx of illegal immigrants, prompting an increased demand for police officers.

Some business owners expressed frustration over difficulties in ensuring that the workers they hire are legal.

Stephen C. Nelson, chairman-elect of the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce, asked Bolling for the state to help business owners verify the immigration status of potential employees.

"Sometimes, we'll send in the paperwork to check on a Social Security number, and it will take up to nine months for any reply from the government. It needs to be much quicker," said Nelson, who owns Junction Travel in Manassas.

Bolling, who has been touring different cities since last year to hear ideas from Virginia residents on the future course of the state, said he has heard similar concerns about illegal immigration from other parts of the state. Last week, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution that would limit public services for illegal immigrants and penalize employers who hire them.

"I think you're going to see more of the state take this kind of action," Bolling said.

-- Cecilia Kang

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