Extremists in North Carolina Legislature Advance Harsh Anti-Immigrant Policy
October 13, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C.– The North Carolina legislature recently passed House Bill 318, which prevents local policymakers and public safety officials from developing fair immigration policies. The measure also invalidates local laws pertaining to immigrant communities, such as policies that determine the acceptable form of identification for undocumented immigrants and families. In response, Flavia Jimenez, Senior Attorney and Project Director of the Advancement Project, and LULAC National President Roger C. Rocha Jr., issued the following statement.
“With the passage of HB 318, the legislature has prohibited “sanctuary” cities to exist in North Carolina. The bill also prohibits government officials from accepting identification that is not issued by a state or federal government. For decades, undocumented people have used matriculas, a form of ID issued by their consulate, for identification. As a result of HB 318 this will no longer be possible. This bill has an extreme and far-reaching impact on members of the immigrant community and North Carolina as a whole. We call on the people of North Carolina to oppose HB 318 and stand against its hateful treatment of individuals who only want to work hard to provide a better life for their families."
National civil rights groups across the country have come out in opposition of the law calling the measure an attempt to marginalize vulnerable communities and create an environment where undocumented individuals and their families are profiled and harassed.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org, www.LULAC.org/facebook, and www.LULAC.org/twitter.