Got this from Ellie's office. Guess I am on a mailing list now... Not sure what the message is? Is she taking credit?

Immigration reforms approved by the NC Senate: 2005-2006



Ø Provide greater enforcement of immigration laws. As a response to the federal government’s failure to enforce immigration laws, the Senate approved allowing state and local law enforcement agencies to give their officers the authority to investigate, arrest and detain illegal immigrants. (SB 1523)



Ø Strengthen driver’s license security measures. The Senate voted to eliminate the use of the Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) as a valid identification document for driver’s license applicants. The Internal Revenue Service, which issues the ITIN to taxpayers but does not verify their lawful presence in the United States, has cautioned states against accepting this federal document as proof of identity for driver’s licenses. (SB 602)



Ø Prohibit state government from hiring illegal immigrants. State agencies will be required to check a federal database to verify that newly hired employees are authorized to work in the United States (SB 1523). In addition, the budget provides funds to hire legal staff in the Office of State Personnel to make sure North Carolina is in compliance with federal laws regarding the employment of foreign nationals. (SB 1741)



Earlier this year, Senators also approved requiring local prison officers and jail administrators to verify the citizenship of felony and DWI prisoners, but this proposal (HB 104 did not become law this session.