Latino advocates say such a move would protect public safety, an argument North Carolina has already bought into. Several observers say the political odds are stacked against it. Somehow, officials must make laws to deal with a large population that is, by definition, living outside of that very legal system.
Some teenagers worry most about getting rid of pimples or finding a date to the prom.
Thousands of immigrant teens, though, are thrust into a world of more adult concerns. They are bilingual youngsters who translate and interpret for relatives, neighbors and friends who speak little English. Advocates say Erica is like thousands of immigrants who speak English but whose parents do not, a group whose size is increasing with Georgia's immigrant population. Having a child who can interpret for his or her parents has obvious advantages, but advocates say that it can force teenagers to miss a chunk of their childhood. It can also force them to miss school.