Jul 08 2008
Bill Will Deport Illegal Aliens in Prison
Legislation that could free up as many as 250 prison beds annually by immediately deporting illegal immigrants serving time for some nonviolent felonies is awaiting Gov. Mike Easley’s signature.
Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand’s legislation cleared the House on Monday night by a 103-2 vote. There was no debate on the legislation.
Lawmakers are looking at several ways to reduce demand and build more space for inmates.
Rand’s legislation would let prison officials release some illegal immigrants who have served at least half of their minimum sentences for nonviolent crimes to federal immigration officials who would deport them.
This is a no brainer. Even the staunchest of illegal immigrant supports can’t argue against this with a straight face. Make no mistake, a lot more needs to be done in North Carolina, but this is at least a start.
The two no votes on this bill, by the way, were Representatives Joe Kiser (R-Vale) and Tracy Walker (R-Wilkesboro). I’m curious as to their reasoning for not supporting this.
