“Maybe it will look better next year,” East said of a measure he introduced in May aimed at allowing North Carolina to ensure that federal immigration laws are being obeyed in the state.
While the effort has generated support statewide, as well as criticism, he said last week that its chances of being considered this year are slim.
This is largely due to time constraints and the parliamentary rules governing “short sessions” such as the one the Legislature is now in, rather than the merits of his proposal itself, the Surry County Republican indicated.
Since the short session is typically devoted to state budget issues, legislative rules mandate that any measure not fitting that category may be introduced only if both the House and Senate approve a special joint resolution to that effect.
Passage of the resolution filed by East would pave the way for a formal immigration bill prepared by the senator to be introduced.
“I have not been able to get the resolution heard,” East said, citing the Legislature’s preoccupation with budget activities.
“There’s a rumor we’ll be out of here in the next week or 10 days,” he said Wednesday. Given that tight time frame, the local lawmaker thinks it is unrealistic to expect the resolution to be considered before the General Assembly adjourns for the year.
But East says at the very least, his attempts have gotten the wheels moving toward a possible immigration law in North Carolina patterned after the measure approved earlier this year in Arizona. It calls for police officers to question people about their immigration status if there is reason to suspect they’re in the country illegally.
“I’ve received a whole lot of conversation with the introduction of the resolution,” said East, who hopes the discussion that has been stimulated will carry over into next year and build momentum for the bill.
Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.
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