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  • Calif. gay marriage vote looms

    From left, Ernie Frausto, Ricky Terry, Ben Holder, and Eric Shangle, all of San Francisco, dance as they celebrate California's supreme court decision on Castro Street in San Francisco, Thursday, May, 15, 2008. A huge crowd gathered in the Castro district to celebrate, after the California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage Thursday in a ruling that would allow same-sex couples in the nation's biggest state to tie the knot. The California Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage will not be the last word.
  • China's 1-child policy causes pain

    Bi Kaiwei holds a photo of his daughter Bi Yuexing, who was killed when her schoolroom collapsed in Monday's earthquake, in the rubble of the school in Wufu, in China's southwest Sichuan province Friday May 16, 2008. Most of the students killed when Wufu's school collapsed were only children, deepening the pain of parents who had stuck to China's one-child policy. Parents complained that the school was shoddily built, a common allegation with almost 7,000 schoolrooms destroyed in the earthquake. For  couples who adhered to China's one-child policy and lost their only child in this week's massive earthquake, the tragedy has been doubly cruel.
  • Costs pinch food stamp recipients

    Lynda Wheeler shops with her daughter, Jaime, 2, shortly after midnight at One Stop Food & Liquors on Chicago's South Side on May, 1, 2008. The market doors open at midnight on the first of each month for the express purpose of letting her and a dozen or so others to start shopping the instant they have access to the new month's allotment of food stamps. This is what the soaring cost of food looks like at street level: Poor people whose food stamps don't buy as much as they once did rushing into a store in the dead of night on the first day of the month.
Easley: Community Colleges Should Admit Illegal Immigrants Save Email Print
Posted: 7:52 PM May 8, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:52 PM May 8, 2008
 Reporter: Dave Jordan
48 comments
A | A | A

Gov. Mike Easley says the state's community colleges should stick to a policy of admitting all eligible illegal immigrants.

Easley made the suggestion Thursday, a day after Attorney
General Roy Cooper's office said the lenient admissions policy
should be dropped.

A letter from Cooper's general counsel said the community
college system should follow federal law more closely and admit
immigrants in narrow circumstances.

Easley said Thursday that federal law does not clearly outline
when illegal immigrants can attend community college. He asked
Cooper to seek clarification from Washington.

Cooper's office said this week it could send a letter to the
Department of Homeland Security on the system's behalf.

North Carolina's community college system is the third largest
in the country. About 800,000 students attend the system's 58
schools.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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Posted by: Hank Location: Windsor on May 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM
It is so sad when our political leaders must pander to "illegal" immigrants. Less we forget from out elected officals in Washington down to city level all took a oath to support and defend the laws of this nation. What part of "illegal" do they not understand?
Posted by: Right wing hippie Location: Surf City, NC on May 11, 2008 at 01:24 AM
If they're _illegal_ immigrants, I hope that means that they're not eligible for any federal grants or loans, since American Citizens who commit felonies are unable to obtain either. I seem to remember having to submit a current tax return in order to verify my residency status for in-state tuition - how does an undocumented worker provide this tax status information? Of course, I'm sure we can all understand why the bleeding-heart politicians are so eager to pander to these folks who blatantly break the laws in our country - they're hoping to gain 65 million new voters!!!! These are the same 'potential voters' who stand in the streets waving Mexican flags while demanding rights to be Americans. P.S. We speak English here. If you don't like it, swim back across the Rio Grande - or legally obtain your right to vote to change that. Of course, as a felon, you won't have the right to vote - but I'm sure that will be changed to allow non-legals a path into the system.
Posted by: latin warrior Location: nc on May 10, 2008 at 01:54 PM
to spanish guy I am an ex marine I have fought in Iraq and bud there is plenty of latin blood being spilled with pride I might add I dont no much of this politicians special Intrest crap thats going on, all i can say is that we need a profesional armed forces not people that you want so send just to get citizenship, let INS take care of them and let us take care of the real enemies (radical Muslims) not a poor human being trying to fight a greater fight (to feed their families and the racial war that I have seen since I cme back form Iraq. thanks and god bless
Posted by: spanish guy Location: ENC on May 10, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Can anyone out there figure this one out?? It's called special interest. Politicians have been doing this in some form or another since the time of the roman empire. the NC dept of agriculture controls more that what you readers think. We'll never know to what extent because these dealings take place behind close doors. this is so wrong. an illegal alien cant even buy a lottery ticket or register in a contest. its for legal US residents only. Yet our beloved governor is allowing them to go to our state and federal funded comm coll system. who says crime dont pay?? Hey, I have an idea, a path to US citizenship... make it mandatory that they must serve in the armed forces. go to Iraq with a unit in the front lines, if they survive a year then allow them to become legals aliens. allow them to become citizens after their second tour. lets try that you liberals
Posted by: Mrs D Location: VA at the NC border on May 10, 2008 at 08:11 AM
I was surprised when I read this article, but as my husband said & I concer, this whole boost on illegal immigrants having priviledges (not rights-they're illegal) stems from money interests...boosting the economy from individuals who are not paying taxes and have spending money to use for those willing to accept it. Those who are legal have rights, and unless its someone biased, we feel they deserve the same rights as natural born americans. this entire thing stems from the love of money...
Posted by: Concerned Location: Eastern NC on May 10, 2008 at 12:01 AM
I was in the local hospital today getting a copy of my daughter's medical record, when all of a sudden the door open and a woman along with a man walked in and the woman is going off in spanish. They accused the lady in the office of being rude because she explained to them that she would be with them when she finished with the person that she was helping which was me. The woman went to demanding that this lady do what she said to do NOW. Another lady who worked in the office came in and began to try and help this couple, but the woman just continued to go off in spanish. She got mad because they asked her for a picture ID for them to verify that it was her medical records and she went off about the United States, but it we should let them in our country and our schools; I dont think so.
Posted by: Mike on May 9, 2008 at 06:47 PM
There ILLEGAL which means there here ILLEGALLY there law breakers just the same as drug dealers and rapist.What is wrong with everybody.Do you all realize that if you go mexico legally you cant work there unless youre a mexican born citizen.You also cant own property on the coast or the borders.They wont help us why should we help them.
Posted by: Devil Dog Location: New Bern on May 9, 2008 at 04:06 PM
To Mike...You have seen the light. The Democratic/Socialist Party is for the "free loaders". Freedom is not Free. I want to see what Obama is going to do with Iran, Syria, and Lebanon. Israel will attack Iran by August 08..Let'r Rip.
Posted by: BIG J Location: SNOWHILL on May 9, 2008 at 04:01 PM
What is wrong with Mr. mike easley,,,He have done NOTHING good for N.C. He needs to leaves office and let someone in there that will help the people of N.C.I am with Bikerwolf,,,Hey Easley,,,Move to Mexico
Posted by: hope Location: NC on May 9, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Airborne Ranger, I like the quote, "Get rid of the dead-beats & pork barrel spending in government." You should print bumper stickers. Dear Mary, Good luck to you. WORKING Americans are just tired of seeing their tax dollars wasted. I am not a fan of the free ride so to speak. There are less & less of the opportunities you speak of here. Our empire is falling.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 9, 2008 at 01:43 PM
IS THERE A LAWSUIT THAT CAN STOP THIS, HOW CAN THIS CRAP KEEP HAPPENING, MAYBE WE NEED TO DO LIKE THE NAACP DOES AND RIOT UNTIL THIS CHANGES OR " SHUT DOWN THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE".. ILLEGALS HAVE MORE RIGHTS IN THIS COUNTRY THAN THE ONES THAT WORK AND PAY TAXES TO KEEP PEOPLE IN OFFICE LIKE EASLEY,

Editor's Note: Please type all posts in upper and lower cases.

Posted by: Bikerwolf Location: Eastern Nc on May 9, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Here's A thought Easley. Move to Mexico ...
Posted by: Mary on May 9, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Hey Patti and Debbie.. where you heard that tuition for the illegals is free... NO WAY!!!! The ""undocumented"" paid tuition as OUT OF STATE STUDENTS.. Stop making this bad atmosfere, and if some people dont want to go to collegue is because they dont want to do ANY sacrifice to enroll the school. WE PAY MORE AND WE DONT GET ANY LOAN TO DO IT THE EASY WAY, WE HAVE MORE ROCKS IN THE PATH THAN YOU GUYS!!!!.. People who wants to be somebody make anything to reach their dreams. And this is the land of the opportunity!!!! Thank you!!!
Posted by: Kit on May 9, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Is this another way to steal money and see where the government can put it elsewhere? Illegals are illegal, they should be sent home if they are not trying to work through immigration the legal way. I refuse to support this kind of thinking.
Posted by: Airborne Ranger Location: Winterville on May 9, 2008 at 11:31 AM
For many years this country and this state has gone downhill in upholding laws that are on the books. They are called illegal aliens for a reason, because they entered the country illegally. I tired of my tax money going to these giveaway programs for the so-called poor and unfortunate. Deport the illegals, put the welfare crowd to work and lets get on with the program. Get rid of the dead-beats and pork barrel spending in government.
Posted by: debbie Location: williamston on May 9, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Has my earlier post been censored? WITN...using your resources, please tell us what the policy is on "eligble" illegals...who pays the tuition? Thank you!
Posted by: Knows dems Location: Washington,NC on May 9, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Governor,its a good thing you are not running again for office (but of course,if you were you would not have said such an outlandishly STUPID thing)...you will never ever get my vote or my familys ever again...I'm so sick of illegals I could throw up...Why doesn't the government do something and send them all home...I have a Hispanic friend who came here,worked hard and became legal even if it took her a long time to do so....she has no use for the illegals either...she describes them as "low class" and that's what we are paying in free medicine,hospitalization and free health care....I also know of several illegals who come here just to have illegitimate babies by Americans and of course,collect medicaid...Americans Unite!!! If we stick together,hopefully it is not too late to send all the illegals back where they belong,not here...do not shop at any place where they hire illegals (and most of Hispanics are),send a message....we will no longer tolerate illegals!!
Posted by: do what Location: nc on May 9, 2008 at 08:42 AM
good point mike in edenton, this guy needs to get out of office, he does not deserve to even be in there to speak for n.c.
Posted by: Susan on May 9, 2008 at 08:37 AM
The govenor wants to continue "policy of admitting all eligible illegal immigrants." Wake up people the key word is "illegal" therefore not eligible. I pay enought taxes as it is. We are educating illegal children in public school now with a drain on limited funds - we don't need to pay for higher education for these people. Many young natural born citizens can't afford higher education. We can't continue at this rate. I am sick of being polictally correct. Make a stand for America and it's citizens. Aliens want more fine - get an educational visa and pay the cost. Otherwise go back and quit draining the working tax payer - Enough Already
Posted by: here Location: here on May 9, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Bottom line: Illegal, Illegal, Illegal!!!!
Posted by: do what Location: nc on May 9, 2008 at 08:12 AM
all i can say is mmmm nicely put...stupid is as stupid does............
Posted by: Mike Location: Edenton on May 9, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Marcia... Easley should know well the term "illegal" since he was Attorney General. He is only getting more Socialist to get in the good graces with the Socialists who are gaining control of the Democratic Party. They will give him financial support to run for Senate.
Posted by: debbie Location: williamston on May 9, 2008 at 08:01 AM
OK....so here's my question...Where's the INS or whatever faction it is that polices illegals & initiates deportation? I mean, if an illegall has put down roots enough to attend a community college, than how hard could it be to "find" them & deport them? Easly needs to take a hike. When politics becomes so entwined with semantics that you can't tell them apart, it's time to go. I'm sick and tired of this liberal crap. When are people going to wake up and smell reality?....It's starting to stink! I don NOT want to pay for an illegal to go to college, when we have plenty of eligible but poor here in our own home population.
Posted by: Marcia Location: Greenville on May 9, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Does he even know the meaning of "illegal?" Doesn't that say it all?
Posted by: chris Location: greenville on May 9, 2008 at 06:28 AM
easley is an idiot. I bet he doesn't even want the ILLEGAL immigrants to pay anything for college either. He probably wants to raise my taxes to pay for that crap.
Posted by: hope Location: NC on May 9, 2008 at 06:13 AM
Patty, I am in your boat with those college loans. I'm guessing the "illegal immigrants" will have free tuition.
Posted by: WHY Location: somewhere in NC on May 9, 2008 at 06:06 AM
eligible illegal immigrants? if it's ILLEGAL than it's not eligible!
Posted by: Mike Location: Edenton on May 9, 2008 at 05:53 AM
Remember this when Easley runs for another public office. It wouldn't surprise me to see him run against Richard Burr for Senate when his term expires. Overwhelmingly the people of NC are fed up with "illegal" immigrants.
Posted by: agrees w/ T Location: greenville on May 9, 2008 at 03:16 AM
My son has to take a 4 hr. AP test tomorrow...to see if he is elibible to go to PITT? helllooooooo..he's graduated. if here were an illegal alien hed be admitted right away. go figure...........we're figuring too
Posted by: john Location: williamston on May 9, 2008 at 02:13 AM
I am disgusted with the way North Carolina is welcoming illegal immigrants into this state. The surrounding states are passing comprehensive laws against the illegals that are coming in; North Carolina legislators are doing nothing to curb the steady flow into this state. They go to the hospitals, get free medical care, free medicines when going home; free follow-up home health care. I know a hard working citizen that had heart surgery with out insurance and he is slowly paying so much a month to pay his hospital bills. Maybe he will live long enough to pay all of them. Why are so many hospitals in other states going into bankruptcy? What is causing the recent surge in robberies in Raleigh and other cities...could be from illegals and the young Americans that cannot find jobs that has been taken by the illegals. Now we want to give them the same benefits that our citizens have availble. Shame on you Easley for helping to destroy our state.
Posted by: Concerned Location: Eastern NC on May 9, 2008 at 02:00 AM
Gov. Easley, I think that you are totally nuts. All illegals should be deported back to their own countries. We have Americans who can not afford to go college and does not qualify for grants, but yet you want us to fork the bill for the illegals. I have a friend who is mexican, but she became a US citizen the legal way and she pays taxed just like the rest of us and also feels that the illegals should not be here. She also thinks that if the mexicans wants to come here and stay then they need to learn to speak ENGLISH. Purdue is no better than Easley; she expects the citizens to fork her bills. Democrats rule Congress and it is Congress that has put America were it is at today not the President. Let's take care of our own before we worry about others.
Posted by: Richard Location: Greenville on May 9, 2008 at 12:27 AM
I believe federal law says they shouldn't even be here. Federal law does not need to further address state tax payers subsidizing thier education. Is this idiot up for re-election?
Posted by: deportation????? on May 8, 2008 at 10:54 PM
hey easley....ever heard of the word? you are breaking the law and need to haul the illegals out...send them back to their homes, let their governments provide jobs and school.
Posted by: Patty Location: greenville on May 8, 2008 at 10:44 PM
i am a democrat...don't put us in a category for putting easley in office. I voted against him last election. He is stupid and up there with Bush. How dare he suggest we admit any illegal person into any of our private or public schools. I guess this opens the door to anyone coming from out of state that is a citizen or the U.S. or not can come to school here. You are an idiot and we can't wait for Bev Purdue to be our governor. Bev, we know you will be fair...i am also a teacher and parent of a college student and am paying loans at 8.5% interest to CFI. $12, 000.00 per year. Can I get free college tuition?
Posted by: steve on May 8, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Did our magnificent governor explain what defines an "eligible" illegal immigrant? I am increasingly becoming depressed by the arrogance and lawless behavior of our elected officials. Throw the BUMS out of office.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: LAGRANGE on May 8, 2008 at 10:04 PM
WOW!! THIS IS THE GREAT GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA. SMART MAN!!
Posted by: bucky Location: morehead city on May 8, 2008 at 09:49 PM
eligible illegal immigrants? are you kidding me? no one in the right mind would be opposed to someone bettering themselves. DO IT LEGALLY. PERIOD. Lets take care of our own first.
Posted by: Mary Location: Greenville on May 8, 2008 at 09:07 PM
This is ridiculous!! Why dont we just give this country away. Thats what our government is doing with our tax money. Mike Easley should be ashamed of himself.
Posted by: Joseph Location: eastern N.C on May 8, 2008 at 08:57 PM
By what right does he think The taxpayers should pay to build a college,pay teachers only to have it filled by those who broke U.S laws by sneaking into the U.S to begin with? they drive drunk,no license,no insurance then trash our highways with litter but want an education so your children can work for them under discrimination laws.HUH!
Posted by: SayWhat Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 08:48 PM
You democrates are too free with my tax money.
Posted by: Texan Location: NC on May 8, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Gov.: does this mean that my grandchildren from Chicago can come here for their education and not pay out of state tution?
Posted by: REAL AMERICAN Location: BRIDGETON on May 8, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Are you Kidding? Whatever happened to deportation ? American citizens who do anything "ILLEGAL" are arrested, while you give seem to actually welcome ILLEGAL ALIENS ! You were elected to also uphold the law, not send lawbreakers to college ! Hopefully the next Governor will have some respect for North Carolina's LEGAL residents.
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane,NC on May 8, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Mike: if you are so determined to educate illegals, then I suggest you do so from your pocket and not the tax payers.
Posted by: exeaslysupporter on May 8, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Isn't that like admitting wanted felons in ? This is what our country is coming to. It's so sad to know that future generations have all this to look forward to.
Posted by: T Location: Greenville on May 8, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Why in the world should we admit illegal immigrants to our community colleges? If they want to go to college they should first have to pass a citizenship test and become legal. That's just plain silly
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