Undocumented children could get Durham's official support

Councilman Steve Schewel proposed the resolution, saying there are about 300 undocumented children living in Durham and that many of the families or sponsors of these children are an important part of the community.

The resolution, which is expected to be voted on Jan. 5, expresses the city's commitment to the children from Latin America and support for the schools, churches, businesses and nonprofits that provide services to them.

Representatives from community groups spoke to the City Council on Thursday, encouraging members to pass the resolution.

Carrboro and Orange County leaders have passed similar resolutions, and George Eppsteiner of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice said more communities could follow suit.

"There are large Latino children populations in Wake County, Guilford County, Mecklenberg County. It certainly wouldn't be surprising if those local governments recognized that those children have a right to attend schools and they're welcoming them in their community," Eppsteiner said.

Other communities haven't been as welcoming. Officials in Dare County, for example, recently considered a resolution discouraging anyone from housing minors in the U.S. illegally before ultimately voting it down.