N.C. Senate approves SB 101; N.C. House approves HB 62
RALEIGH, N.C. – In nearly party-line votes, the N.C. Senate approved SB 101 and the N.C. House approved HB 62, both proposals target our state’s immigrant communities. In the past three days, both bills were rushed through multiple committees and considered on the floors in their respective chambers.
A diverse coalition of community groups has come together to oppose measures that target North Carolina’s immigrant population. The Alianza de derechos de los Inmigrantes de Carolina del Norte (AICN), or Immigrants’ Rights Alliance of North Carolina, is composed of more than 30 community organizations throughout the state.
“North Carolinians expect better from their lawmakers than the harmful proposals we see presented in SB 101 and HB 62,” said Stefania Arteaga, Regional Immigrants’ Rights Strategist for the ACLU of North Carolina, which is a coalition member. “Community groups are joining together to demonstrate how unity and respect for each other can triumph over hateful and divisive rhetoric.”
In regards to HB 62, Maria Gonzalez, Program Director for Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF) had this to say: “When up for debate, Rep. Cleveland and staff could not answer questions on the complex legalities of this bill and the powers being given. What he doesn’t realize is that above all, the impact of this bill will not be on the lawsuits against the cities but on the symbolic empowerment that citizens who already hold this disdain and xenophobic sentiment will receive. This bill will put us in danger while not enforcing any law or protecting anyone.”
Bruno Hinojosa Ruiz, Director of Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción (CIMA), pointed out how both measures undermine the actions of elected sheriffs, “We are, again, witnessing lawmakers attempting to force elected officials to cooperate with ICE, to create fear and further divide North Carolina. North Carolina is better than this and when Sheriff’s were elected, their voters supported their stand to NOT collaborate with ICE.”
The timing of the legislature’s push of anti-immigrant legislation is concerning coalition partners, as well. “At a time when vaccines and economic relief to our communities impacted by COVID-19 should be the highest priority, lawmakers have decided to waste time and tax dollars on two bills that would increase fear and mistrust in the immigrant community,” said Iliana Santillan, Executive Director of El Pueblo, a coalition member. “We urge lawmakers to rethink this plan.”
If enacted, SB 101 would require sheriffs to do the bidding of federal immigration authorities and impose criminal penalties for sheriffs who chose not to voluntarily comply with voluntary ICE detainer requests. HB 62 would also punish sheriffs, counties, or municipalities that do not collaborate with ICE by allowing anyone in the state to file a lawsuit against a local government for allegedly violating North Carolina’s anti-sanctuary law.
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The Alianza de derechos de los Inmigrantes de Carolina del Norte (AICN) / Immigrants’ Rights Alliance of North Carolina is a coalition of 30 organizations dedicated to protecting and defending the rights of immigrants in North Carolina. Coalition partners include:
Acción Política Latina
ACLU of NC
AMEXCAN
Ángel Guardian
Asociación Dominicana
Association of Mexicans in North Carolina (AMEXCAN)
Comité de Acción Popular
Comité Popular Somos Raleigh
Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción (CIMA)
Comunidad Colectiva
Comunidad Vida Nueva
El Centro of Hendersonville
Episcopal Farmworker Ministry
El Pueblo
El Vínculo Hispano
Faith Action International House
Fayetteville Police Accountability Community Taskforce
Fortaleza NC
Henderson Resiste
Hendfact
Hispanic Federation
Immigrant Justice Coalition –Boone, NC
Just Futures Law
Moms Rising
Mujerxs Organizando Oportunidades Notables (MOOM)
Muslim Women For
NAACP North Carolina
North Carolina Asian Americans Together
North Carolina Justice Center
North Carolina State Police Accountability Network
Poor People’s Campaign
SEAC Village
Sheriffs for Trusting Communities
Si a las Licencias
South East Immigrants Rights Network (SEIRN)
Student Action With Farmworkers
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