Charlotte Observer: Gaston County commissioners: No funds for illegal residents

"Gaston County commissioners have directed county officials to stop funding programs for undocumented immigrants in what marks the Charlotte region's most aggressive measure against illegal immigration.

The resolution, passed Thursday by the all-Republican board, blames people living here illegally for a variety of social ills, and also orders county officials to limit their ability to live and work in the county.

Some officials charged with enacting the resolution say it would have little effect, but commissioner John Torbett, who introduced the measure, said it was necessary to protect taxpayers.

'Is it right for people that are not citizens of this country to receive tax dollars through services that have been paid for by people that are citizens of this country?' he said. 'If we can determine that taxpayer dollars in Gaston County are going to provide services for illegal residents, then we need to stop as much of that as humanly possible.'

Critics say the resolution only encourages hysteria over the immigration issue."