North Carolina Arm of Global Christian Humanitarian Organization Highlights the Impact of the New Law on Immigrant Families and Communities Across the State

DURHAM, N.C. — World Relief North Carolina is deeply concerned by the North Carolina General Assembly’s vote to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 153, the North Carolina Border Protection Act, legislation that significantly expands state involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

Under SB 153, several North Carolina law enforcement agencies will take on a larger role in federal immigration enforcement by partnering with ICE through 287(g) agreements. The law also requires state agencies to verify eligibility for certain public benefits and expands restrictions related to so-called “sanctuary” policies, including at public universities. 

At World Relief Durham and Triad, we believe every person is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity. While governments have a legitimate responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect public safety, we are concerned that policies like SB 153 may unintentionally create fear in immigrant communities, discourage victims and witnesses from reporting crimes, and make it harder for families to access essential services and place additional responsibilities on state agencies that were not created to administer federal immigration law. 

“Refugees and immigrants are an important part of what makes our communities stronger,” said Adam Clark, executive director of World Relief Durham. “They care for our neighbors, start businesses, fill critical jobs, worship in our churches and help our local economy thrive. We are concerned that hampering local and state law enforcement agencies from addressing community matters will undermine the trust that helps communities remain safe and welcoming, not to mention the additional burden on taxpayers of repurposing costly and constantly changing approaches and systems. We believe North Carolina can pursue public safety while also protecting the dignity of families who are seeking the opportunity to contribute and flourish.”

While SB 153 changes how state agencies participate in immigration enforcement, the effects will be felt by real people across North Carolina. Refugees who came to the United States seeking safety, immigrant parents working to provide for their children, mixed status families navigating daily life together, pastors, teachers, employers and neighbors who have welcomed immigrant families into their communities, and churches walking alongside their neighbors may all experience greater uncertainty.

“As Christians, we believe we are called to seek both justice and mercy,” said Meagan Khliefat, office director of World Relief Triad. “We encourage policymakers to pursue immigration solutions that strengthen public safety while also preserving family unity, protecting due process and recognizing the dignity of every person created in God’s image.”

World Relief North Carolina invites churches, community leaders and people of goodwill to stand alongside immigrant families through prayer, advocacy and practical support. We encourage elected officials to pursue immigration policies that uphold the rule of law while protecting vulnerable families and strengthening communities across North Carolina.

To engage in advocacy alongside World Relief in North Carolina, visit worldrelief.org/durham/  and worldrelief.org/triad/ 

About World Relief   

World Relief  is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to boldly engage the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. The organization was founded in the aftermath of World War II to respond to the displacement crisis in war-torn Europe. Since then, for 80 years, across more than 100 countries, World Relief has partnered with local churches and communities to build a world where families thrive and communities flourish. Since the 1970s, World Relief has partnered with local churches to welcome and serve hundreds of thousands of refugees and other immigrants throughout the United States. To learn more, visit  worldrelief.org