The Blueprint for Change
While it is often said that immigration is a federal issue, North Carolina has an important role to play in enforcing both state and federal immigration laws. Just as we do in other areas that affect the quality of life of all North Carolinians – education, healthcare, transportation – the state should work with the federal government to implement an immigration policy that will best protect and serve the people of North Carolina. In particular, the state can pass legislation that: 1) safeguards our communities from criminal illegal aliens; 2) protects North Carolina workers; and 3) encourages legal immigrants to become productive citizens.
Whereas U.S. immigration law historically fostered the immigration of skilled laborers eager to embrace the American Dream, our country’s current immigration policies have led to an increase in criminal activity and welfare dependency. Consider the following:
X According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, “North Carolina has experienced a significant increase in drug-trafficking activity … due in part to an unprecedented influx of foreign nationals into the state” – in particular, “Spanish-speaking, specifically Mexican, nationals.”
X Between 2000 and 2006, the number of aliens (legal status unknown) entering North Carolina’s prison system increased 210 percent. During the same period, the number of aliens on parole increased 370 percent.
X During a recent raid at Smithfield Foods in the Bladen County town of Tar Heel, investigators found that 86 percent of workers arrested for immigration violations had also stolen identities from American citizens.
X A 2007 report by the Heritage Foundation found that the average low-skill immigrant household uses $20,000 more in services than it contributes in taxes. Various studies at the state level (cf. Zannis and Denslow (2005)) likewise estimate that immigrant households consume significantly more in services than they contribute in taxes.
X Between 2001 and 2006, Limited English Proficiency (LEP) enrollment in North Carolina’s public schools increased 67 percent. During the same period, LEP appropriations doubled.
X The U.S. General Accounting Office (June 2004) estimates that the cost to educate a student characterized by both limited English proficiency and poverty (i.e., most illegal alien households) is 30 percent to 200 percent more than average per pupil costs.
X According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 99 percent of Emergency Medicaid users in North Carolina are illegal aliens.
As have other states, such as Georgia, Virginia and Colorado, North Carolina needs to send a clear signal that immigrants who break the law and refuse to earn their own way are not welcome here. What is needed is comprehensive immigration enforcement and reform dedicated to achieving the following three goals:
Protecting Jobs for North Carolina Workers
Giving Immigrants a Hand-up, Not a Handout