N.C. Hispanics To Boycott U.S. Immigration Legislation On Monday

The answer to that question could come Monday as Latinos and their allies across North Carolina plan to stay home and not spend their money.

Monday's economic boycott is part of what is being called the National Day of Action, a grassroots movement pushing for immigration reform. Many people plan to stay home from work or school, or attend rallies.

Recently, rallies have surfaced all over the country, protesting legislation that would make it a felony to be in the United States illegally or to provide help to illegal immigrants.

"People on both sides of that coin would agree that our immigration system is broken," said Alba Onofrio, executive director of El Centro Hispano. "Regardless of how they feel about the immigrants who are here and what rights they think that they have or don't have, everybody would agree there needs to be a change."

Activities are planned Monday in at least six cities and towns across the Triangle and the state.

In late March, about 50 students from Smithfield-Selma High School, mostly Hispanic, walked out of school in protest of the legislation.