Oklahoma Governor Signs Immigration Bill

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Capitol Bureau

Although saying illegal immigration must be addressed by the federal government, Gov. Brad Henry signed an immigration reform bill Tuesday that won overwhelming approval in both state legislative chambers.

"While some will undoubtedly claim this state legislation is a landmark step forward, the truth of the matter is we will not effectively address immigration reform until the federal government acts,” Henry said in a statement.

Henry, who issued a three-paragraph statement after signing the bill less than seven hours before the midnight deadline, had said during his re-election campaign last year immigration was a federal matter.

Opponents pledged to take their case against the law to court.

‘Quite refreshing'

Rep. Randy Terrill, main author of House Bill 1804, said he is pleased the governor signed it. He and other supporters have said Oklahoma has waited long enough on the federal government to control illegal immigrants coming across the U.S. border and eventually into Oklahoma.

Terrill, R-Moore, led the charge the past two years to win support of an immigration measure, saying illegal immigrants are unfairly using taxpayer-funded benefits such as in-state college tuition and social services.

"I find it quite refreshing to know that a well-informed and engaged citizenry can in fact make a difference by communicating their wishes through the Legislature and to the governor,” he said. "I'm just very pleased that the governor received that message and decided to respect the will of the people.”

Terrill said the bill is "the most meaningful immigration reform bill in the nation” and "would represent the single, most significant step that any state has taken in this area.”

"It will put Oklahoma at the forefront of the state level immigration reform movement,” Terrill said.

Had Henry vetoed the bill, lawmakers almost certainly would have overridden his veto. The bill passed in the House, 88-14, and in the Senate 41-6. It would have taken 68 votes in the House and 32 votes in the Senate to override his veto.

Sen. James Williamson, R-Tulsa, a Senate author of the bill, said he was not surprised the Democratic governor signed the bill.

"We had enough bipartisan support to frankly override it if he hadn't,” he said. "The issue is incredibly important to our state and to our country.”

Penalties outlined

The bill, which takes effect Nov. 1, would set criminal penalties for knowingly and willingly harboring illegal immigrants. No public benefits would be allowed to people in the state illegally, except in cases of medical emergencies or emergency aid. Businesses would need to run all workers through a federal verification system or risk penalties and legal action.

The legislation also would cut off in-state tuition for illegal immigrant students unless they can verify they have applied for citizenship or plan to within one year. Some say that could cut off most illegal students from in-state tuition because once a student enters the country illegally, it is almost impossible to become a legal citizen.

Henry said illegal immigration is "a very serious national security issue” that must be addressed at the federal level.

"States can take some actions on their own,” Henry said.

"But until the U.S. Congress enacts a comprehensive, national immigration policy, citizens will see little progress on this issue.”

He said the state should closely monitor the impact of HB 1804 to ensure "it doesn't have any unintended consequences.”

[Ban Hammer 12,679]

good.

[fozzie 41]

Its a start - whaat ever happened to that wall that bush wanted to build all around the us to keep everybody out?

[Robor007 0]

Nice start but it's only 1/50. As the article says, needs to be done on the federal level.

[homesick_american 1]

Good for them. If more states did this maybe the federal government would finally wake the hell up and realize that its priorities are out of alignment with the rest of America's...not just on this issue but on MANY others.

[almaty 19]

wow, i am amazed..oklahoma did something progressive...

[eau_xplain 2]

Penalties outlined

The legislation also would cut off in-state tuition for illegal immigrant students unless they can verify they have applied for citizenship or plan to within one year. Some say that could cut off most illegal students from in-state tuition because once a student enters the country illegally, it is almost impossible to become a legal citizen.

So how would this impact on those who are here legally but not USCs, are not yet eligible to apply for naturalization or just want to be here on a valid non-immigrant visa or green card? The article only speaks of illegals and USCs as if those of us who are neither, don't exist.

Edited May 9, 2007 by eau_xplain

[Dr_LHA 3]

I hope that is just a misrepresentation of the law, after all illegal aliens cannot apply for citizenship in any way. Certainly I would hope it would not cut off in-state tuition to Green Card holders.

[WifeOHunkyJohn 2]

I hope that is just a misrepresentation of the law, after all illegal aliens cannot apply for citizenship in any way. Certainly I would hope it would not cut off in-state tuition to Green Card holders.

But surely having a green card means you are legal and entitled to these kind of benefits?

[Dr_LHA 3]

But surely having a green card means you are legal and entitled to these kind of benefits?

Indeed. I'm just trying to figure out who these illegal aliens who must prove they are applying for citizenship might be. Surely only legal aliens can apply for citizenship.

[WifeOHunkyJohn 2]

Well maybe they are covering themselves for whatever this 'amnesty' turns into. If the illegal immigrants get to make restitution and all that, before being able to qualify for citizenship, they might not have the same papers and the like that the rest of us who do things legally would have.

Just my thought, anyway