Groups push for approval of illegal immigrant bill

By WHITNEY WOODWARD Associated Press Writer


Advocates of stronger enforcement of the nation's immigration laws called on Democratic leaders in the North Carolina Legislature Wednesday to curb illegal immigrants' access to state services, citing fears that a new South Carolina law will drive thousands of people north.

Earlier this month, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford signed into law a bill that threatens to temporarily shut down and fine businesses that hire illegal immigrants, and bans illegal immigrants from attending public colleges.

Americans for Legal Immigration PAC President William Gheen and other activists rallying at the Legislative Building called on lawmakers here to follow suit and cut off illegal immigrants' access to public services while also providing more money for law enforcement.

At the top of activists' list: a measure that would forbid the state's community colleges from accepting any student who is in the country illegally.

"Our community colleges and state universities should be focusing on helping our citizens improve their skills and education to get a better job, not helping illegal immigrants take jobs from North Carolinians," said Ron Woodard, the director of the advocacy group NC Listen.

The state's community college system said in May it would no longer admit illegal immigrants as students, reversing an earlier policy. Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger is sponsoring legislation that would write the ban into state law. He said Wednesday that without it, the community colleges system could change its policy back.

But Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, is co-sponsoring a measure that would do just the opposite, establishing the right of illegal immigrants to attend community colleges in North Carolina by paying out-of-state rates.

"There are just a bunch of kids who are excelling at school, who maybe came here as infants," Harrison said. "It just seemed counterproductive, and I couldn't see anything as mean-spirited as to not allow them to pursue higher education."

But Harrison and Berger said they don't expect lawmakers to vote on the issue this year.

"We're running out of time and it's really too controversial for the short session," Harrison said.

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