National estimates are that some 70 percent of illegal immigrants toil in low-skill jobs. In North Carolina, immigrants slop hogs, cut up chickens, frame houses, wash dishes, make beds and pick the cucumbers, melons and tobacco that sprout from much of the state's farmlands.

Next week, the U.S. Senate will consider an immigration deal that farmers and business owners have cautiously welcomed, saying its provisions to legalize immigrants could relieve a broken labor system and protect loyal workers skittish about being deported.

If the compromise reached this week between Senate Democrats and Republicans passes, it could have strong implications for North Carolina's work force, the industries it serves and the consumers who buy everything from pints of berries to pricey houses.

"North Carolina has a huge stake in this, and a growing stake," said U.S. Rep. David Price, a Democrat from Chapel Hill. "How we handle immigration is a huge economic issue."

For years, industry leaders and local farmers have been trekking to Capitol Hill to make their arguments about labor shortages. Basically, their argument is this: There aren't enough people in the country willing to do some jobs, and those from Latin America are good workers.

"My experience with Hispanic labor has been exceptionally good," said Bundy Lane, who raises hogs in eastern North Carolina. He recalled that after Hurricane Floyd in 1999, his two Hispanic employees were the only ones who showed up to care for the pigs. They brought a pal who was willing to help, plus clothing and food for three days. By Barbara Barrett and Jack Hagel