Immigration court will open in January instead of year's end

The Charlotte Immigration Court will open in January rather than by year's end, Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C., of Charlotte, said Wednesday in Washington.

The court will handle immigration hearings, primarily deportation proceedings.

North Carolina has an estimated 390,000 illegal immigrants. Currently, inmates are bused to an immigration court in Atlanta for hearings.

Myrick said the delay in opening the Charlotte facility was due to the General Services Administration's procurement process taking longer than originally anticipated.

An aide said a site for the immigration court hasn't been selected. It won't be a separate courthouse, but will be housed in an existing facility. -- lisa zagaroli

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