http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/377674.html

A panel appointed to study the effect of immigration, both legal and illegal, on North Carolina's largest city must gather hard data and dispel emotion-laced assumptions, the mayor says.

The Immigration Study Commission, appointed by Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, met for the first time Monday. The panel's 23 members include local Latino leaders, federal enforcement agents, city officials and business people.

In the next six months, the commission will study the effect that a 394 percent increase in Latinos from 1990 to 2000 has had on public safety, employment, education and health care.

Within a year, the commission expects to make policy recommendations if needed.

During the meeting Monday, the immigration commission broke into four groups on public safety, employment, education and health.

It's difficult to prosecute illegal immigrants because local and federal judicial systems are overwhelmed, said John Quealy, area port director with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Taking on someone who overstays a visa isn't a priority, he said.

The subgroups will meet again in January before the commission meets Feb. 6 to present its findings.