North Carolina

The state has 395,000 illegal immigrants, according to the latest estimate by the Pew Hispanic Center. Other estimates range from 300,000 to 500,000. The Pew center estimates that more than 80 percent are from Mexico and other Latin American countries

Are illegal immigrants eligible for workers' compensation benefits?

In North Carolina, illegal immigrants are eligible for benefits if they are injured on the job. However, many are afraid to file a claim for fear they will be reported to immigration authorities.

Can local police arrest illegal immigrants for the sole reason of their immigration status?

Not now, at least in North Carolina. The job belongs to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, part of the Department of Homeland Security. A few states and local governments have begun programs in which police officers can enforce immigration law in the course of performing their normal duties, and correction departments check on the immigration status of inmates and help process illegal immigrants for deportation. This month, the Sheriff's Office in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) announced the start of a program under which ICE will train deputies to screen for immigration violations. Illegal immigrants who are arrested or charged with crimes will be turned over to federal authorities and deported.

Is it against the law to hire illegal immigrants? What are the penalties for employers?

Yes, it is against the law, but enforcement is all but nonexistent. In North Carolina, no business has been fined for hiring illegal immigrants since 1999.

Do illegal immigrants who work pay federal and state income taxes or into the Social Security system?

Illegal immigrants pay local, state and federal tax. If they aren't paying income tax, it is because their employers are paying them under the table. It is estimated that illegal immigrants contribute $7 billion per year to the Social Security system, money they will never collect.

[KENAN INSTITUTE OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, UNC-CHAPEL HILL (2004 DATA); U.S. CENSUS; PEW HISPANIC CENTER (2004 ESTIMATES); N&O STAFF REPORTS AND NEWS RESEARCH]