Immigrants' Rights

When the government has the power to deny legal rights and due process to one vulnerable group, everyone’s rights are at risk.

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Immigrants' Rights in North Carolina

287g Agreements in North Carolina

  • A 287(g) agreement gives local law enforcement the power to enforce federal immigration law—something they normally cannot do. These agreements turn local officers into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, fueling deportations, racial profiling, and fear in immigrant communities.

Faces of North Carolina

  • The Faces of North Carolina is a video series campaign dedicated to highlighting the stories of immigrants and their families living across our state. At a time when anti-immigrant rhetoric is growing, this campaign seeks to humanize the individuals behind these harmful narratives and demonstrate the vital role immigrants play in the prosperity of North Carolina.

We Have Rights

  • An empowerment campaign to prepare for and safely defend our rights during encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Information for Immigrant Driver's License Applicants

  • The NCDMV recently issued a Declaratory Ruling in March 2023 addressing some of the issues immigrants have experienced obtaining full-term, eight-year driver’s licenses and putting new rules in place for immigrants applying for driver’s licenses in North Carolina.

Immigrant Civil Rights Assistance Request Form

  • A form intended for attorneys who serve immigrant communities, either in civil or criminal court, and who are aware of potential civil rights violations occurring in those communities. It is not intended to be used to locate an immigration attorney (i.e., an attorney to defend against deportation or apply for immigration relief); individuals seeking those referrals may consult general directories, such as the Find a Lawyer page on the website for the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

The Latest


News & Commentary
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SB153 – Anti-Immigrant “North Carolina Border Protection Act” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Senate Bill 153, also called the "North Carolina Border Protection Act", is a blatant attack on immigrant communties in North Carolina. After becoming law when the General Assembly overrode the Governor's veto, SB153 forces state law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE, prevents local governments and universities from protecting immigrant communities, and creates additional barriers to public benefit access. This FAQ answers your questions about what the law does, which agencies are affected, and what rights you have, regardless of your immigration status.
News & Commentary
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Proyecto de Ley del Senado 153 – Ley de Protección Fronteriza de Carolina del Norte contra Inmigrantes: Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQ)

El Proyecto de Ley del Senado 153, también llamado como "La Acta de Protección fronteriza de Carolina del Norte" es un ataque evidente hacia la comunidad inmigrante en Carolina del Norte. Tras convertirse en ley cuando la Asamblea General de Carolina del Norte anulo el veto del gobernador, el Proyecto de Ley del Senado 153, fuerza la participación de agencias del orden estatales con ICE , impide que los gobiernos locales y universidades protejan a comunidades inmigrantes, y crea barreras adicionales al acceso de beneficios públicos. Estas preguntas frecuentes (FAQ), contestan sus preguntas sobre lo que hace esta ley, cuales agencias son afectadas, y cuales son sus derechos a pesar de su estado migratorio.
Press Release
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NCGA Overrides Governor’s Veto on SB 153, Expands ICE Powers Despite Documented Abuses and No Accountability

Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Resource
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287(g) Agreements in North Carolina

A 287(g) agreement gives local law enforcement the power to enforce federal immigration law—something they normally cannot do. These agreements turn local officers into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, fueling deportations, racial profiling, and fear in immigrant communities.

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Legislation
May 6, 2026

HB 1061: Plyler Educational Protections Act

The Plyler Educational Protections Act would establish statewide protections for public education and privacy for all students, regardless of immigration status.
Position: Support
Legislation
May 12, 2025

HB 690: Bar Immigrants from Public Services

This bill requires multiple state agencies to verify immigration status and/or take measures to prevent undocumented immigrants from accessing public services.
Status: Passed House
Position: Oppose
Legislation
May 12, 2025

HB 318: Cooperation with ICE Expansion

This bill expands upon the provisions in HB 10, which requires sheriffs to cooperate with ICE.
Status: Became Law Over Governor's Veto
Position: Oppose
Legislation
May 12, 2025

HB 261: Increase Penalties for Immigrants

This bill would increase penalties for unrelated crimes committed by people who have been previously removed from the U.S.
Status: Passed House
Position: Oppose