House OKs deporting some illegals in prison

House OKs deporting some illegals in prison By Dan Kane, staff writerComment on this story RALEIGH - Legislation that could free up as many as 250 prison beds annually by immediately deporting illegal immigrants serving time for some nonviolent felonies is awaiting Gov. Mike Easley’s signature. Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand’s legislation cleared the House on tonight by a 103-2 vote. There was no debate on the legislation. Lawmakers are looking at several ways to reduce demand and build more space for inmates. Rand’s legislation would let prison officials release some illegal immigrants who have served at least half of their minimum sentences for nonviolent crimes to federal immigration officials who would deport them. If the illegal immigrants returned to the U.S. and were caught, they would have to serve the remainder of... [read full story]