North Carolina has enacted a controversial new law that may not be favorable to immigrants. If you’ve heard that Governor Roy Cooper vetoed House Bill 10, the newest word is that North Carolina’s state Senate Republicans have overruled the veto and made it law.
Many folks are concerned about the changes that may occur as a result of the recent passage of House Bill 10. Basically, the law would result in two big changes: it will enhance financing for private school vouchers and require sheriffs to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sheriffs Can Detain Suspects of Immigrants While Cooperating with ICE
Now that sheriffs are cooperating with ICE, they are required to jail those who have been caught for serious offenses if ICE suspects they are in the country illegally. The following step will be up to ICE, who will decide whether or not to deport these people.
There are both advocates and detractors of this law; apparently, criticism is little more than support. Supporters claim that the rule only applies to those convicted of major crimes, not minor acts. Critics have much more to say about it. They are concerned that the measure will instill fear in immigrants, exacerbating the already dire situation.
We are all aware that tensions have arisen among immigrants since President-elect Donald Trump’s election, when he pledged to deport millions of unauthorized immigrants. This law would significantly escalate the anxiety and restlessness among immigrants.
Iliana Santillan, the leader of the Latino advocacy group El Pueblo, is a notable opponent of this law. She has attacked the measure, claiming that it accomplishes little to help society. The measure has nothing to do with public safety, health, or education; in fact, it instills fear and undermines relationships with immigrant communities.
Sheriffs have also voiced their sentiments, and many of them oppose the bill. They believe it will cause more trouble than beneficial and might possibly backfire. According to Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe, immigrants who report a crime will not file lawsuits or seek help. This would foment fear and make citizens criminal targets.
Sheriffs are also concerned about detaining persons who would otherwise be eligible for release, arguing that it is unconstitutional. When it comes to deportation, we must consider the size of the immigrant community, as it is simply impractical to deport everyone.
The United States has around 11 million undocumented immigrants, with North Carolina housing more than 300,000 of them. Deporting everyone would be costly and detrimental to the economy. Regardless of an individual’s immigration status, critics argue that fair legal processes should prosecute offenses.