(The Center Square) – Two proposals related to immigration awaiting signature into law by North Carolina’s governor are ripe to be among if not the first vetoes by the former top state prosecutor.
First term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein has until a week from Friday, June 20, to allow the legislation to become law without his signature, sign or veto. One advances the cooperation of lawmen and ICE, the other protects taxpayer-funded assistance intended for state residents.
Stein, attorney general from 2017-24, was a frequent litigant with former two-term Gov. Roy Cooper against the General Assembly. Thus, his potential vetoes are expected.
Of the record 104 vetoes from Cooper, 52 still became law through the General Assembly’s override. All 29 vetoes handed down over the last two years still became law. And while party lines were strong, they were not 100%.
The Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act, known also as House Bill 318, enhances cooperation with lawmen in the state and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Local law enforcement could not release the suspect until 48 hours after ICE is notified.
During a Judiciary Committee hearing earlier this month, Rep. Carson Smith, R-Onslow, said the bill promotes safety.
“If they are let out on a pretrial release, ICE has the retainer, ICE has the warrant,” Smith said. “They can go pick them up anywhere, anytime.”
But, he added, it is safer for law enforcement if ICE picks up the suspect at a local jail than it would be to make the arrest at a private home or other location.
Noncompliance with the proposed law could mean loss of state funds.
House passage was 66-45 with Rep. Carla Cunningham, D-Mecklenburg, the lone minority party vote for the measure. No Republicans were against. In the Senate, party-line passage was 26-17.
The North Carolina Border Protection Act, also known as Senate Bill 153, would give protection to taxpayer dollars through eligibility assurances for state-funded public benefits such as housing tax credits, child care subsidies and caregiver support. The Office of State Budget and Management, if the bill becomes law, would determine if unauthorized immigrants are receiving such benefits.
The North Carolina Border Protection Act would instruct memorandums of agreement to be extended to the director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from the state’s law enforcement agencies – Department of Public Safety, Department of Adult Correction, State Highway Patrol, and the State Bureau of Investigation. Each would be lawfully ordered to determine immigration status of any person in custody.
Senate passage was 26-17 and the House was 60-46, each along party lines.
To enter America from another country, if not a U.S. citizen, a visa or some other travel authorization is required to be presented at a port of entry.
