On April 25, 2023 the Immigrant Day of Action was held in Raleigh, NC. This event was organized by Alianza (The Immigrants' Rights Alliance of North Carolina), a coalition of 30 organizations dedicated to protecting and advocating for the rights of immigrants in North Carolina.
One of our Senior Lecturers in the Department of Social Work, Sarah Donovan, MSW, along with two students, Stephanie Albanil-Rangel and Sandra Pardo (pictured below), traveled to Raleigh to attend. During their time there, they spoke with legislators regarding HB10/SB50 as well as other proposed bills which could negatively effect NC immigrants. Other members from the Watauga County community also attended including members of the Immigrant Justice Coalition. Representatives from various other immigrant advocacy groups across the state including El Pueblo, Companeros Immigrantes de las Montanas en Accion (CIMA) and the NC Justice Center were also present.
As mentioned, there are several bills that have recently been introduced that would negatively impact NC immigrants. One of which is HB10 that would require NC Sheriffs to comply with ICE to keep an individual detained for up to 48 additional hours after their criminal release date in order for the ICE Officers to put them in deportation proceedings.
The effects of this bill, and those similar, would be devastating to our immigrant communities across the state. Implications could include increased fear and mistrust, a negative impact on public safety, and a decline in reporting of crimes including domestic violence incidents.
If you are interested in being a part of Alianza and future events send an email to Alianza.N.Carolina@gmail.com with your name and organization.
