State Lawmakers Continue Immigration Meetings

State lawmakers are continuing a series of committee meetings on immigration. Representatives of the home building, construction and farming industries spoke to lawmakers today.

Jessica Jones: The committee meeting on immigration is one of several convened by lawmakers to examine the impact of illegal immigration on North Carolina. Last month lawmakers asked state officials to quantify how much such immigration costs North Carolina. Today they heard testimony from businesses that rely on immigrants to keep their doors open. Some employers and farmers worry state lawmakers want to pass legislation that would scare away immigrants. The construction and agricultural sectors rely heavily on immigrant labor. A lobbyist for the state home builders association says immigrants often have the skills and work ethic needed to keep the housing industry on the right track.