Explore all blog articles tagged with "North Carolina". Find expert legal insights, updates, and advice from our experienced attorneys.
Explore new DOJ FOIA initiatives impacting immigration law in North Carolina and Florida. Learn about compliance, appeals, and privacy considerations.
Essential insights on recent DOJ immigration law trainings for residents of North Carolina and Florida. Stay informed with Vasquez Law Firm.
Important immigration law development: The Trump administration on Thursday filed suit in New York federal court seeking to bar New York City from enforcing policies it alleges amount to "intentional sabotage" of federal immigration enforcement and thus violate the U.S. Constitution's supremacy clause.
Important immigration law development: Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown launched a lawsuit in Evergreen State court on Thursday seeking to block a fintech contractor from providing the federal government with the private details of food assistance benefit recipients, saying the Trump administration intends to use the data for its "mass deportation project."
Important immigration law development: The U.S. Department of Justice told the Ninth Circuit it can hear an immediate appeal of a district court's decision postponing the Trump administration's termination of temporary protected status for Venezuelans, citing a recent decision from the appeals court narrowing an injunction in a separate case.
New NC law or policy affecting immigrants: <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Governor Josh Stein Announces 2025 North Carolina Awards to be Held in Western North Carolina </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lsaito</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-07-24T16:24:06-04:00" title="Thursday, July 24, 2025 - 16:24" class="datetime">Thu, 07/24/2025 - 16:24</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-city-location field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Raleigh, NC</div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Governor Josh Stein today announced that the North Carolina Awards, the state’s highest civilian honor, will be presented on November 13 at a ceremony in Asheville. All net proceeds will go to a fund to help communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">“I am proud that this year’s North Carolina Awards will be held in western North Carolina to help shine a light on the fact that the area is open for folks to enjoy,” <strong>said Governor Josh Stein.</strong> “This year, we will honor the very best of North Carolina while encouraging tourism and helping support the ongoing recovery out west.” </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">“For more than 60 years, the North Carolina Awards have celebrated the outstanding people who make North Carolina a great place to live, learn, and work,”<strong> said NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell.</strong> “We are excited to host one of our state’s most prestigious events in Asheville this year and to dedicate proceeds from the event to western North Carolina recovery efforts.” </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Governor Stein and Visit NC recently teamed up to encourage people to “<a style="color:rgb(70, 120, 134);font-size:14px;text-decoration:underline;" href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclick-1346310.icptrack.com%2Ficp%2Frelay.php%3Fr%3D38515099%26msgid%3D524774%26act%3DC9RH%26c%3D1346310%26pid%3D1142058%26destination%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.visitnc.com%252Frediscover%26cf%3D13425%26v%3Dbdc3acb64ae81011c1163fd28209cd0b02ae06b74420a9fda3d2b67964ac4597&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C9b0c8ed50aed47b2f83508ddcac818a6%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638889682935025033%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=X1xaJJ8uNQCv66HrXBDhdVULufxeAiHdQSnzhgMm50Q%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rediscover the Unforgettable</a>” in western North Carolina as the region reopens to visitors after Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein announced the initiative in June at the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park. The initiative seeks to bring people from all over to western North Carolina to boost tourism, support local businesses, and highlight outdoor recreation opportunities. </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">The North Carolina Awards event will be held at the historic Grove Park Inn. <strong>Tickets will go on sale soon. </strong></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Created by the General Assembly in 1961 and administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the award recognizes “notable accomplishments by North Carolina citizens” in the fields of literature, science, fine arts, and public service. </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Past award recipients include some of the country’s most distinguished artists, poets, writers, performers, journalists, scientists, and public servants. Since the awards’ inception, more than 300 notable men and women have been honored by the state of North Carolina, including William Friday, James Taylor, Etta Baker, Maya Angelou, Lee Smith, Eric Church, Selma Burke, and Branford Marsalis. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-release-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">Jul 24, 2025</div>
Important immigration law development: Mahmoud Khalil told a New Jersey federal judge Wednesday that the Trump administration's bid to stay an injunction barring his removal on foreign policy grounds, if successful, would leave him at risk for removal under the very grounds the court prohibited.
New NC law or policy affecting immigrants: <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">SEED Program Honors More Than 70 Students at Recognition Ceremony</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lsaito</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-07-24T13:42:04-04:00" title="Thursday, July 24, 2025 - 13:42" class="datetime">Thu, 07/24/2025 - 13:42</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-city-location field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Raleigh, NC</div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p style="margin:0in;">Today, more than 70 high school students from southeastern North Carolina were recognized for successfully completing the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclick-1346310.icptrack.com%2Ficp%2Frelay.php%3Fr%3D42086335%26msgid%3D524878%26act%3D969C%26c%3D1346310%26pid%3D1142214%26destination%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fncbce.org%252Fseed%252F%26cf%3D13425%26v%3D0a75c864d7d0f3e91e438d436272eb7edbbdff51f1aef6e0ddc61bd2e19b6901&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7Cc525cf51e788474fa26a08ddcad91fbe%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638889756068312911%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yoExMLkd1N%2FGoncsL%2BpbxsL9jzHo%2BC88TMuG%2FKokG98%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">SEED (Southeastern Education and Economic Development)</a> Program, a unique career exploration initiative focused on advanced manufacturing and agriculture.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">“Every North Carolinian deserves a chance at success whether or not they want to pursue a traditional four-year degree,” <strong>said Governor Josh Stein. </strong>“Programs like SEED prepare students for careers in high-demand fields, giving them hands-on experience and industry-valued credentials. Congratulations to these students for their hard work in pursuit of a brighter future.”<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">The recognition ceremony, held at the University of Mount Olive, brought together students, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of participants from five area community colleges: Wilson Community College, Lenoir Community College, Wayne Community College, Sampson Community College, and James Sprunt Community College.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">The SEED Program is a registered pre-apprenticeship with ApprenticeshipNC, offering students a structured pathway into high-demand careers through hands-on learning, industry credentials, and exposure to real-world job environments. As a pre-apprenticeship, the program sets students up for success in future apprenticeship opportunities and long-term employment.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">Made possible through generous funding from Smithfield Foods, SEED was created in partnership with the <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclick-1346310.icptrack.com%2Ficp%2Frelay.php%3Fr%3D42086335%26msgid%3D524878%26act%3D969C%26c%3D1346310%26pid%3D1142214%26destination%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fncbce.org%252Fabout%252F%26cf%3D13425%26v%3D1bdca023167cd4102e87d5282b26aa4234501ca88300bb54355b03f0834a548e&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7Cc525cf51e788474fa26a08ddcad91fbe%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638889756068327527%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bRS%2FGdgHXoqx8b9wypqJlAU%2FOB3G%2BoX%2FPQhyuAe9m3g%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE)</a>, local school districts, community colleges, and regional employers. The program provides high school students with hands-on exposure to high-growth careers and helps build a sustainable talent pipeline for North Carolina’s workforce.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">“Smithfield is committed to investing in the future of agriculture and manufacturing by equipping young people with the skills and experiences they need to thrive,” <strong>said Jay Bennett, chief human resources officer for Smithfield Foods.</strong> “Through our support of the SEED program, we’re building meaningful partnerships with communities and helping students discover rewarding career paths that strengthen our industry and workforce.”<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">“At Wayne Community College, we believe in the power of partnerships to transform lives and communities,” <strong>said Dr. Patricia Pfeiffer, President, Wayne Community College.</strong> “The SEED Program is a shining example of how education, industry, and public support can come together to create meaningful opportunities for our students. By giving them hands-on experiences and a clear path to future careers, we are not only preparing these young people for success but also strengthening the workforce and economy of eastern North Carolina.”<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">Throughout the summer, students engaged in immersive experiences, including classroom instruction, industry tours, and technical simulations. The Advanced Manufacturing Academy was hosted by Wilson, Lenoir, and Wayne community colleges, while Sampson, James Sprunt, and Wayne community colleges led the Agricultural Academy.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">“Smithfield’s support helped bring this vision to life, giving students real-world experience in careers with long-term potential – right here in their home communities,” <strong>said Julia Wright, Board Chair of NCBCE. </strong>“We’re proud to recognize their dedication and growth through this program.”<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">Each student received a certificate of completion during the ceremony, recognizing their commitment to personal growth, technical skill development, and work toward building a brighter future for themselves and their communities.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">SEED also provides financial support, covering stipends, supplies, and transportation to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. In addition to the summer program, SEED supports career awareness for middle school students and offers professional development for teachers and counselors.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">The SEED program continues to grow, with plans to expand into additional counties and career pathways in the coming years.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-top:12.0pt;">For more information on the SEED program, visit <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclick-1346310.icptrack.com%2Ficp%2Frelay.php%3Fr%3D42086335%26msgid%3D524878%26act%3D969C%26c%3D1346310%26pid%3D1142214%26destination%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fncbce.org%252Fseed%26cf%3D13425%26v%3Dfa052508dcf1f1b12f42be0c2c6d638f5f55c38ccc794f7df57ac7570faa22b2&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7Cc525cf51e788474fa26a08ddcad91fbe%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638889756068341582%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iphXclGLVXgbRIhS6b1S8IocjgRgk0K7vrPG5JCCNBU%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank">ncbce.org/seed</a>. <o:p></o:p></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-release-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">Jul 24, 2025</div>
Important immigration law development: New York City has dodged the possibility of an ongoing legal services strike ballooning in size after the NY Legal Aid Society announced Wednesday that it had reached a tentative agreement with its nearly 1,100-member union.
Important immigration law development: Click to read more about this update.
Important immigration law development: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Leonardo Medina, age 46, of Denver was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
Important immigration law development: A Springfield, Mo., man with ties to a local gang was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and making a false statement during a firearm purchase.
Important immigration law development: A 22-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced to federal prison
Important immigration law development: MICHAEL McCLAIN and three others were convicted on conspiracy and other charges related to the bribery scheme.
Important immigration law development: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Theron Marquale Mathews (37, New Port Richey) to 15 years in federal prison for possession of 400 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court previously entered an order of forfeiture for three firearms and $41,176 in proceeds from drug trafficking crimes. Mathews pled guilty on March 11, 2025.
Important immigration law development: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Ricky J. Patel, announced today the filing of a Complaint charging MIGUEL FRANCISCO MORA NUNEZ and CHRISTHIAN AYBAR-BERROA in connection with the shooting of an off-duty Customs and Border Patrol (“CBP”) Officer.
Important immigration law development: Matthew Cahill and others used checks stolen from the U.S. Mail to commit financial fraud.
Important immigration law development: SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging a California man with filing false tax returns, mail fraud, and money laundering
Important immigration law development: A 38-year-old Laredo resident has been sentenced for smuggling methamphetamine into the United States
Important immigration law development: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, on July 17, 2025, JOSEPH HAROLD WEST, JR. (“WEST”), a resident of St. Tammany Parish, was sentenced by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to 46 months of imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Following imprisonment, WEST will be placed on supervised release for 3 years. WEST was also ordered to pay $446,302.23 in restitution to his victims and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
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