Rev. Barber commends Governor Stein on immigration

Just a few weeks ago, Democrat North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed two contentious bills designed to enhance state and local enforcement against illegal immigration, marking the beginning of his first override confrontation since assuming office in January.

Two weeks later, Stein vetoed four more bills that propose a statewide cessation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as restrictions on transgender and LGBTQ rights. He stated that these measures "would marginalize vulnerable individuals and also compromise the quality of public services and education."

Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 — the two bills focused on immigration — along with the four recently vetoed measures, will be sent back to the Republican-controlled North Carolina General Assembly. Here, the GOP requires only one Democrat to switch parties to successfully override the vetoes. However, it is important to note that the NCGA no longer possesses a Republican supermajority.

What is Senate Bill 153?

Senate Bill 153 would require North Carolina’s law enforcement agencies to "cooperate to the fullest extent of the law" with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill was introduced by Republican Senate Leader Phil Berger. Under the bill, law enforcement agencies are to contact ICE when they hold custody of immigrants lacking permanent legal status.

State law enforcement officers are also required to receive training and supervision under ICE to enforce immigration law. The bill would instruct the Department of Health and Human Services to halt the provision of state-funded services and benefits currently delivered to immigrants.