Lawmakers hear dozen debate illegal immigration reform
Lawmakers hear dozen debate illegal immigration reform
news14carolina
Updated 03/28/2012 06:09 PM
By: Julie Fertig
(video at source)
RALEIGH—Lawmakers considering changes in North Carolina immigration policies got an earful on the heated issue Wednesday.
Dozens of immigration supporters and opponents of illegal immigration reform spoke at a House Committee public hearing.
"I only ask for opportunities," said Charlotte high school senior Juan Ramos.
Ramos is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador. The 18-year old dreams of going to college and becoming an architect. He told lawmakers he may not receive that chance if they approve stricter immigration policies.
"They think we cannot contribute to the economy, but in reality we could be contributing a little bit more if we could have more opportunities," said Ramos.
Rep. Garland Pierce, A Democrat from Scotland County, said the last result he wants is to enact laws that hurt children.
"Young people, children, bare no responsibilities for what adults do or fail not to do. So that's where my compassion comes in," said Rep. Pierce.
The immigration policy committee is considering measures that would clamp down on illegal immigration. Supporters who want new laws said immigrants take from the state without giving back.
"We also need to take into account, into consideration, the number of North Carolina citizens that are out of work and the ones that are being displaced by the illegal alien workers that are here," said President of North Carolinians for Immigration Reform and Enforcement James Johnson.
Opponents contend immigrants pay taxes and take on jobs most citizens would not consider working.
"They say, they don't contribute to our economy. I want to tell you that all of the buildings, Bank of America and all those buildings built, were built by immigrant hands," said executive director Maudia Melendez of Jesus Ministries.
At the end of policy discussions, the committee decided to wait until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the strict new immigration law in force in Arizona. The committee plans to meet again in the fall.
Lawmakers hear dozen debate illegal immigration reform - News14.com
03/28/2012 02:04 PM
Immigration rally held outside General Assembly protesting policy hearing
Quote:
The N.C. Latino Coalition estimates there are about 800,000 immigrants in North Carolina.
By: News 14 Carolina Staff
RALEIGH—Several immigrants and supporters spoke out against adopting new anti-immigration policies Wednesday.
Advocates gathered outside the General Assembly building to send a message to lawmakers, who are exploring the issue later Wednesday afternoon. The House is considering several plans to clamp down on illegal immigration.
The group, We Are NC, wants to emphasize the contributions immigrants make to the state's economy and culture. They say immigrants pay taxes and work in the service and construction industry.
“Look very closely about, you know, all the contributions as well as the impact that has had on the economy in other states where this legislation has been passed," said N.C. Latino Coalition Director Mauricio Castro.
The N.C. Latino Coalition estimates there are about 800,000 immigrants in North Carolina.
http://triangle.news14.com/content/t...policy-hearing