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North Carolina law

Immigration Laws in North Carolina.

Immigration law is primarily federal. North Carolina has enacted significant enforcement legislation including HB 318 (Criminal Alien Enforcement Act, 2025) and SB 153 (NC Border Protection Act, 2025), which require law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. NC prohibits sanctuary city policies, does not issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, and requires 287(g) agreements between state law enforcement and federal authorities.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

State law

Key North Carolina Statutes

NC Border Protection ActSession Law 2025-85 (SB 153)

Requires state law enforcement agencies to enter 287(g) agreements with federal authorities. Instructs state agencies to review public benefits distributed to unauthorized immigrants. Bars UNC System campuses from adopting policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Sanctuary City BanN.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 64-25 through 64-28

Cities and counties are prohibited from adopting "sanctuary city" policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Criminal Alien Enforcement ActSession Law 2025 (HB 318)

Expanded the list of criminal charges that trigger immigration status checks. Requires judges at pretrial release hearings to attempt to determine citizenship and may order holds for ICE contact.

Driver's LicensesNC DMV policy

North Carolina does not issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Asylum seekers with valid work permits are eligible for standard licenses but these do not meet REAL ID requirements.

State law

Official Sources

NC General AssemblyUSCIS

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.

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