Virginia Panel on Immigration Steps Back From Hard Line

From The Washington Post:

Virginia, known for some of the nation's toughest policies on illegal immigration, appears to be abandoning its hard-line approach as state officials consider proposals to help foreign-born residents assimilate, including increasing the number of English classes.

Those on both sides of the issue say interest in immigration has waned because of the growing economic crisis, a clearer understanding of the state's limitations on a largely federal issue and backlash at the voting booth.

[S]tate officials appear to be shifting their focus from fighting illegal immigration to assimilating the ever-growing population of legal immigrants.