Board backs off illegal immigrant ban
Panel that oversees 58 community campuses expected to allow time for study of policy.
By Kristin Collins
(Raleigh) News & Observer
Posted: Friday, Aug. 15, 2008

The doors to North Carolina's community colleges may reopen to illegal immigrants – but possibly not for long.

Members of the State Board of Community Colleges said Thursday that illegal immigrants should be admitted until the board can complete a study and develop a permanent policy for the state's 58 campuses. The study, to be done by an outside consultant, is expected to be authorized by the full board today. But several state politicians have already promised to try to pass laws this year that would deny admission to illegal immigrants, effectively nullifying any board decision.

Both candidates for governor have come out against college education for illegal immigrants. This week, U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, a Charlotte Republican, said she'll introduce a bill that would withhold federal money from colleges and universities that knowingly admit illegal immigrants.

During a committee meeting Thursday, some board members said they've gotten heated messages from both sides of the issue.

In that environment, they said, there is no sense in making a hasty decision. Some said a well-researched policy could dissuade lawmakers from getting involved.

“This study will be critical to our working out a reasoned policy on this hot potato issue,â€