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The Macon County Sheriff's office is stepping up its role in immigration enforcement by partnering with Henderson County in an effort to speed the process of identifying illegal aliens.

Henderson County is one of seven in North Carolina participating in the newly formed 287(g) program. As part of the new cooperative effort, Henderson's sheriff's office can access federal immigration records. The county will also work with 17 western counties, including Macon, to assist in identifying and even detaining suspected illegals.

Rachel DePompa, NBC12(Richmond), December 9, 2008

The Albertville City Council passed a resolution Monday targeting contractors who employ "unauthorized aliens."

The move comes just one month after the new mayor and council took office, signaling a more serious tone regarding illegal immigration.

"That should be a pretty good indication we're serious about that hot topic from the campaign," said Councilman Chuck Ellis.

"You talk to everybody on the campaign trail and that was the one thing everyone wanted to talk about ... the effects of illegal immigration on the community."

Edwin Palacio arrived in the U.S. from the Philippines in 1993 and was granted political asylum two years later.

Since then he has worked for computer companies and received security clearances to audit private and government information systems. But the 54-year-old Austin resident is now identified as a "temporary visitor" on his new Texas driver's license, which he worries will hamper him and his wife in getting a home mortgage.