Immigration

Relating to the establishment of the immigration law clinic at the university of North Dakota school of law; to provide for a report; and to provide an appropriation.

HB 1493 is a procedural bill that seeks to repeal North Dakota's Section 54-60-31 of the Century Code, which established the "office of legal immigration." The bill does not create new policy but would eliminate the legal framework for this specific office. It was introduced in January 2025, referred to a committee, and ultimately failed to pass on February 18, 2025, with 22 votes in favor and 67 against. This repeal would directly affect the existence of the office of legal immigration, which was created under the repealed section.

HB 1585 requires North Dakota peace officers (such as police and sheriffs) to report individuals they reasonably believe are in the U.S. illegally to U.S. immigration authorities. Officers must use a designated tip line or online form as soon as possible after forming this belief. Violating this requirement would be classified as an infraction, not a criminal offense. The bill failed to pass in the legislature on February 7, 2025.