Hat tip: Community Action Project

A pledge of resistance signed by the Most Reverend Eusebius Beltran and several priests in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has been sent to Governor Henry. The pledge reads in part:

Because this law is overly punitive and makes a felony of the act of providing humanitarian assistance to an undocumented person in need; we the undersigned clergy, religious leaders, and lay people of conscience will not and can not obey this law. We will continue to aid and assist all people regardless of their legal citizenship status, with charitable care and spiritual counsel. We people of faith and conscience refuse to be defined by fear of Oklahoma's law which makes servant-leaders felons. Rather we stand in obedience to faith, hope, and love. We call for repeal of this anti-immigrant bill and for the passage of immigration reform that provides justice for all of God's children. We stand together, in solidarity, in defiance of this law because of our allegiance to a higher law; the law of love of God and humanity.

You can read the full pledge and see other materials of the Catholic Church related to HB 1804 and the immigration debate by clicking here.

In July, Rev. Marlin Lavanhar of Tulsa's All Souls Unitarian Church delivered a sermon on immigration entitled "Foreigners In Our Midst". You can click here to hear a podcast of Rev. Lavanhar's sermon.

For an overview of the positions that various faith communities have adopted promoting hospitality and understanding towards immigrants, click here

Related:

Daily O'Collegian: Immigration law goes into effect today, worries some

Stan Geiger: Ethnic Cleansing?

Labels: HB 1804, Immigration Reform

Posted at 6:45 AM |   

The attorney general's office filed a motion Monday to dismiss a lawsuit challenging House Bill 1804, which goes into effect on Thursday, November 1. The law bars illegal immigrants from getting jobs and state benefits and makes it a felony to harbor or transport illegal immigrants. While the new law has received a great deal of attention, there is still some confusion over what effect it will have. The News On 6 has received several e-mails from private business owners, asking what they have to do this week to comply with the new law. The News On 6’s Chris Wright reports the simple answer is nothing, for now.

"Well confusion is rampant for sure, people really don't understand the law," said Homebuilders Association President Glen Shaw.

As head of the Homebuilders Association, Glen Shaw has received plenty of calls from local contractors about House Bill 1804. He says many are not sure what changes, if any, they need to make before the November 1 deadline.

"Technically it won't have an effect on us this week, but it's had an effect on us for several months now," Shaw said.

Read More

Labels: HB 1804, Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 9:48 AM |   

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 9:27 AM |   

The law makes it a felony to transport or shelter illegal immigrants. Businesses, which are barred by federal law from hiring illegal immigrants, can be sued by a legal worker who is displaced by an illegal one.

The measure denies illegal immigrants certain public benefits such as rental assistance and fuel subsidies.

Read More

Related: Priest present petition to Gov. Henry vowing to break the law.

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 8:17 AM |   

From the zTruth blog:


Oklahoma's anti-illegal foreign national law is set to go into effect November 1st. But there are signs this law will not stop illegal foreign nationals from getting some free services from agencies. Naturally, the cost for these "free services" are paid for by taxpayers.

Recently, the citizens of Oklahoma learned the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority voted to approve pregnant illegals with free health care. So if you are illegal you don't need to worry - we will take care of you and your child with free health care because the taxpayers will pay for it for you. I wonder, if you are a citizen and pregnant are these same services available to you, as well? I think I'll give the Healthcare Authority a call and report back.

Today, I read, illegal foreign nationals will also get free flu shots at taxpayer expense! Isn't this great for them? Read more...

Related:

Okie Funk: New Law Creates Quagmire

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 7:35 AM |   

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 10:12 AM |   

A very great commentary from BubbaWorld

Last week the National Coalition of Latino Clergy filed suit in federal court in Tulsa challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma HB 1804 which is scheduled to take effect on November 1st.

Thursday, after business hours, the same group filed electronically an emergency motion seeking a temporary restraining order that will prevent this new immigration law from taking effect until the lawsuit is resolved.

In both legal moves, the National Coalition of Latino Clergy maintains that the new law is unconstitutional and violates illegal immigrants’ rights.

Which of course gives rise to the question, “What rights?”.

Read More

Labels: Immigration Reform

Posted at 10:42 AM |   

by Ernest Istook

Once again, the states are rebelling against Washington. Fed up with dithering in D.C., states are proving enforcement works. Enforcement not only can prevent illegal immigration, but actually reverse it.

Illegal immigrants by the tens of thousands are leaving states that have adopted tough new laws — Colorado, Georgia, Arizona and now Oklahoma. Local efforts are being launched too quickly to count, involving more than 100 communities so far.

When denied jobs or public benefits, many illegals return to Mexico. Others move within the United States to areas with local amnesty policies. That migration may spark a new outcry from citizens in amnesty cities.

Read More

Labels: Ernest Istook, Immigration Reform

Posted at 8:39 AM |   

We guess the Attorney General is too busy harassing poultry farmers and citizens trying to excercise their constitutional rights.

The O'Collegian:

By Valarie West

Attorney General Drew Edmondson’s opinion on recent immigration reform will be delayed, a representative from the attorney general’s office said Thursday.

The delay is due in part to 24 questions regarding the bill that must be answered and because the opinion will have little effect until a lawsuit against the reform is decided. The decision in the lawsuit could overturn Edmondson’s opinion, said Karen Bray, opinion coordinator at Edmondson’s office.

A Tulsa-based Latino group filed a lawsuit Monday claiming the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act violates due process and equal protection rights guaranteed by the United States and Oklahoma Constitutions. The National Coalition of Latino Clergy Inc./CONLAMIC also filed a temporary restraining order Thursday to prohibit the act from taking effect until the lawsuit is decided. Read more...

Labels: Drew Edmondson, Immigration Reform

Posted at 11:45 AM |   

Red Dirt Political Report: A political blog from M. Scott Carter, political reporter for the Norman Transcript and the Moore American

It doesn’t take an act by the Oklahoma State Legislature to know it’s wrong to steal. Nor do we need a gubernatorial proclamation that lying, cheating on your spouse or killing someone are not the best of ideas.

Because, long before members of the Oklahoma House and Senate convened in their marble chambers at 23rd and Lincoln there were rules of conduct.

The Bible’s 10 commandments were a pretty good start.

From there, society was given the “Golden Rule” — based on Matthew 7:12. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

That simple idea has been the basis for our modern concept of human rights since the time of Christ.

But right now it’s taking it on the chin.

Especially here in Oklahoma.

With state Representative Randy Terrill’s anti-immigrant bill now law, Oklahoma has set aside its moral principals and, in the process, lost its humanity. Read more...

Labels: Immigration Reform, OK Legislature, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 1:54 PM |   

News 9 Report: Rep. Terrill vs OKC Police Chief Bill Citty



Related:

OK Legislators' Blog: Rep. Jason Murphey: "Taking Your Money And Giving It To Illegal Aliens"

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 11:00 AM |   

by Jason Murphey

A board of unelected state officials recently shocked some of us in the legislature by taking action to approve a proposal to spend taxpayer dollars in the creation of a permanent and unconditional expansion of the welfare system. This was in violation of the clear legislative intent expressed in this year’s illegal immigration reform bill.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority, which administers Oklahoma’s Medicaid program, voted to approve emergency rules granting taxpayer-subsidized medical coverage to pregnant illegal aliens on the theory that the new child will be a U.S. citizen upon birth. As it is now, illegal aliens are prohibited from Medicaid prenatal services.

This is being done despite the fact that federal law dictates this action may occur only after a state’s legislature has given approval. The Oklahoma Legislature has not authorized any expansion of Medicaid for illegal aliens.

Read More

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Jason Murphey

Posted at 9:54 AM |   

Labels: Immigration Reform

Posted at 8:23 AM |   

Mr. Rivera called the new law "frivolous" and said it is already scaring thousands of Hispanics out of the state.

"There is no will to deport 12 million people from this country," said Mr. Rivera, referring to the estimated number of illegal immigrants living in the U.S.

Read More

There may not be the will to deport 12 million Illegal Immigrants out of this country, but there is the will to scare them the hell out of Oklahoma. As I have stated time and time again ILLEGAL is ILLEGAL.

Labels: Immigration Reform

Posted at 9:41 AM |   

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 10:56 AM |   

Labels: Immigration Reform

Posted at 9:07 AM |   

The Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – The portions of the new Oklahoma immigration law dealing directly with private businesses won’t take effect until July 2008. But some of the law’s provisions targeted toward state agencies become effective Nov. 1.

House Bill 1804, by state Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, was passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Brad Henry in May. Dubbed by its author as the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007, the law will require state agencies to check the citizenship status of applicants for public services, such as welfare programs, starting Nov. 1.

The new law will make it more difficult to obtain a state-issued identification card or a driver’s license, requiring all applicants to provide documentation of their citizenship. Employees who legally immigrated to the U.S. and who previously had been issued a state-issued identification card or driver’s license will not be able to renew those documents if their immigration documents expire.

Read More

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 8:50 AM |   

After perusing the blogosphere and reading various editorials across the nation, many have criticized Oklahoma's approach to the INVASION our state and country has experienced. What troubles me the most is that on the issue of Illegal Immigration even DEMOCRATS agree with Conservatives on this issue. Gov. Brad Henry who signed the strictest Immigration Reform Bill in the nation is a Democrat and I don't think he would have signed the bill if he didn't agree with it.

Liberals should stop the whining and come to grips that ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION is exactly what it says, " ILLEGAL"! It was a Congressional candidate in North Carolina that said it best in a radio ad, " The aliens are here but they didn't come by spaceship. They came across our unguarded Mexican borders".

It is time that we take off the gloves and come to grips with reality most Illegal Immigrants are coming across the Southern border. Then they had the nerve to come and DEMAND rights and services that are only reserved for actual citizens. The message has been sent to Illegals in Oklahoma, "GO HOME!!!".

Labels: Immigration Reform

Posted at 1:12 AM |   

Oklahomans for Sovereignty and Free Enterprise, Incorporated (OK-SAFE) is a non-profit 501 c4 Oklahoma Corporation made up of individuals and coalition groups dedicated to the Principles of American Free Enterprise and the Constitutional Sovereignty of Oklahoma and the United States of America.

OK-SAFE sees a concerted, dedicated and well funded effort by Social and Economic Elites to transition the United States from a Representative Republic to a Socialist Group Democracy and finally into a World Governmental Structure.

We find evidence to conclude the following Institutional transitions are well underway:

Political – Servant to Master
Monetary – Asset Credit to Outcome Credit
Intellectual – Education to Indoctrination
Ecclesiastical – God to Religion

Labels: Immigration Reform, OK Safe

Posted at 4:38 PM |   

"This isn't about whether you are for or against immigration, or for or against immigrants. It doesn't matter what your skin color is or if you speak with an accent. What matters is if you are in the country legally or illegally. The only people threatened by House Bill 1804 are those who choose to break the law." Rep. Randy Terrill (R) Moore

Thousands of Hispanics have fled the Tulsa, Okla., area in the shadow of a looming state law that limits benefits and mandates deportation for illegal aliens, according to a report from KTUL television in Tulsa.

The state of Oklahoma recently approved a new law that requires deportation for illegal aliens who are arrested, and limits benefits and jobs to those individuals. The report said in East Tulsa, where a community of Hispanics has grown over recent years, there's been a sudden drop in population.

Business owner Simon Navarro has been in business there 11 years, and said the tough law has chased away 30 percent of the state's Hispanic population.

"Two months ago I heard 25,000 Hispanics have left Oklahoma," he told the station. "They are leaving. A lot have already left. "People are leaving," he said. "They're scared of the sheriff."
Read more...

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 12:26 PM |   

A new issue brief from Community Action Project (CAP) examines Oklahoma's new immigration bill, HB 1804, which is slated to take effect November 1st.

The brief offers a section-by-section analysis of the bill and explores how its provisions relate to current law and practice in such areas as public benefits, identity cards, employment and law enforcement. It is designed to assist public and private stakeholders in the immigration issue understand how the bill applies to them.

Among the issue brief's key findings:

Many sections of HB 1804 may either duplicate or mirror what is already in state or federal law or simply put into statute what is already occurring in practice in Oklahoma.

The bill does not challenge the constitutionally-guaranteed right of all children to attend school and receive all educational services, regardless of legal status.

While the bill requires verification of legal status for those applying for "public benefits", the established definition of public benefits in state and federal law is limited to certain well-defined government programs, which already are unavailable to unauthorized immigrants.

Read entire brief here.

Labels: CAP, Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 5:24 PM |   

From USA Today:

By Randy Terrill

With Congress gridlocked over immigration issues, Oklahoma and a few other states are leading the way on real reform — and rightfully so.

After all, the tremendous economic burden created by illegal immigration is felt most at the state and local level — particularly when it comes to education, health care, welfare and corrections. In Oklahoma alone, the direct cost of illegal immigration is more than $200 million a year. The indirect cost is far higher, and this is a relatively small state.

But even if you ignore the costs, states still have good reason to act. States are separate sovereigns in our federal system. They have the inherent legal right and a constitutional responsibility to provide internal domestic security, as well as to protect our citizens from waste, fraud and abuse.

In Oklahoma, we have taken that responsibility seriously by enacting a carefully calibrated, common-sense, real immigration reform measure that many have called the toughest in the nation. Read more...

Related:

Enid News & Eagle: "Republican women host rally, speakers"

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 2:47 PM |   

From Oklahoma Corridor Watch:

“If we can have but three nations and one economy,” said Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornettt “I think it would be much easier for us to solve a lot of the social problems with the end migration.”

Mayor Cornett went on to say in the video that since Oklahoma City is situated on along I-35, which is “really apart of that NAFTA Corridor,” the potential for economic development on a global scale is a real possibility. I-35 received the NAFTA Superhighway designation by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1995, and there are currently plans by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to expand I-35 into a 10-lane, multi-modal corridor in the Oklahoma City area.

Watch video clip here.

Labels: Immigration Reform, Mick Cornett

Posted at 12:05 PM |   

By JonJayRay

Below is an extensive excerpt from an even more extensive article.

Tulsa is on the leading edge of local and state efforts to crack down on illegal immigration following passage by the Oklahoma Legislature of what is arguably the toughest anti-illegal immigration measure in the nation. The Tulsa City Council also embraced the get-tough approach by adopting a resolution calling on police officers to check the immigration status of “all suspected illegal aliens.” Those actions have sparked a fierce political battle, spread fear among Hispanics — both legal residents and those in the country illegally — and triggered an angry public face-off between demonstrators on either side of the great divide.

Among the longtime residents shaken by the changes engulfing his city is Gary Rutledge, an MSNBC.com reader who said the demographic shift took his family and friends by surprise. “It’s happened so quickly and our neighborhoods have changed so rapidly,” said Rutledge, a political science professor at nearby Rogers State University. In East Tulsa, just across the main thoroughfare from his comfortable brick home, the broad avenues are now peppered with signs in Spanish and malls catering to Latino shoppers — offering everything from soccer wear and piñatas to check cashing services and Latin pop music. “That whole part of the city has become a miniature Juarez or Tijuana or whatever you want to call it,” said Rutledge. Read more...

Related:

Thirdwavedave: "Rep. Randy Terrill, author of Oklahoma's Immigration Reform Bill, Will Be Interviewed Tonight on "The Andrea Shea-King Show". (Florida)

meeciteeworker: "Questions for Her Majesty"

Labels: Immigration Reform, Kathy Taylor, OK Legislature

Posted at 11:30 AM |   

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today lauded the defeat of the 2007 Immigration Reform bill (S.1639) after a fourth cloture vote failed to pass the Senate:

“Today’s defeat of the Senate Immigration Bill is a victory for the American people, the integrity of our borders and the rule of law. For the past several weeks, a small cadre of Senators have manipulated the traditional legislative processes, strangled debate, and prevented the introduction of worthwhile amendments. In doing so, they turned a deaf ear to the will of the American people and the overwhelming sentiment of their constituents.

“Thankfully, Americans of all stripes weighed in on this issue, influencing Congressional opinions and helping to once again defeat this bill.

“Despite its proponents’ claims to the contrary, the Senate immigration legislation was fatally flawed from day one. Since its inception, this legislation has failed to address the key issues of concern for almost all Americans: the enhancement of border security and the enforcement of current immigration laws.

“From the beginning of this debate, I have stated that I would vehemently oppose any immigration legislation that guarantees amnesty for illegal immigrants, unfairly burdens taxpayers or fails to secure our borders. In the wake of this latest vote against amnesty, I sincerely hope the Senate will now turn its attention and efforts toward meaningful immigration reform. It is clear that in the future we must deal with the issue of illegal immigration by focusing first on securing our borders - without a path to amnesty.”

Labels: Immigration Reform, Sen. Inhofe

Posted at 10:35 AM |   

Pease watch the below video thank you from Sen Inhofe as he delivers the first batch of 70,000 petitions to Senators.

Labels: Immigration Reform, Sen. Inhofe

Posted at 6:15 PM |   

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following statement in response to today’s vote to invoke cloture on the 2007 Immigration Reform Bill which passed 64-35:

“I am very disappointed in the outcome of today’s vote. A vote for this motion to invoke cloture is just one step closer to a vote for amnesty. Thirty hours of debate and a limited amount of amendments will not change the underlying nature of this bill. I have long said that I will not support any measure that allows illegal immigrants to shortcut the current path to citizenship and I will continue to fight to expose the flaws in this bill, helping to defeat this egregious gift of amnesty to 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants.

“It’s time for the Senate to listen to their constituents. The American public does not want this so-called immigration fix. What they want and what they deserve is for the federal government to secure the borders and enforce the rule of law – both of which can be achieved without an additional 800 pages of new legislation.”

Labels: Immigration Reform, Sen. Inhofe

Posted at 10:55 AM |   

Hat tip: Oklahoma Opinions

We reported to you last week that Sen. Inhofe was starting an online petition for Americans to voice their displeasure at the resurrection of the "Shamesty Bill" in the Senate. The above map shows the response so far. Below is a letter from Sen. Inhofe:

Word is already spreading around Washington about our efforts to stop this immigration bill, and every day we're closer to victory. It is my hope I can write to you a week or two from now to celebrate the defeat of this bill and a renewed focus on border security and the enforcement of exiting immigration laws.

In addition to sharing the good news, I'm writing to you today for two reasons:

Our work isn't done yet. There is plenty of time for more 'closed-door' deals and the pressure on undecided Senators right now is incredible. Let's keep building on the early success of the petition by inviting five friends to join us in signing it. Click here to use our Forward to a Friend page. We've provided the invitation text; all you need to do is provide email addresses.

I also want to share with you a new Secure Borders Now Blog that will keep you informed on the latest immigration bill details. I'll keep track of all upcoming votes, speeches and news, and shine a light on the bill's progress through the Senate. I'm specifically sharing the link with folks who have signed the petition because I want you to help spread the word and keep our citizens up to date with the latest information. Click here to read the Secure Borders Now Blog.
Thank you again for your help in making the petition a tremendous success in such a short period of time. The word is getting out through your e-mails, word of mouth, in blogs, and in forums. It's humbling to be reminded in such a powerful way that elected officials are responsible to those who elected us. I'm proud to be able to serve Oklahomans and so many Americans across the country on this issue in the U.S. Senate.

Best wishes,

Jim Inhofe

Labels: Immigration Reform, Sen. Inhofe

Posted at 1:47 PM |   

With the Senate taking up the illegal immigration bill once again, the Washington Post reports that over 1,100 pieces of legislation were written in the state legislatures this year to address the problem. Rep. Terrill's quotes from the article are below:

"Illegal immigrants will not come to Oklahoma if there are no jobs waiting for them," said state Rep. Randy Terrill (R), who wrote his state's law, one of the most sweeping in the country. "They will not stay here if there are no government subsidies, and they certainly will not stay here if they know that if they come in contact with one of our officers, they will be physically detained until they are deported." Read more...

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 1:33 PM |   

Hat Tip: meeciteewurkor

USIS … the largest provider of security investigations to the U.S. government, is offering its I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Product as a cost-effective service that employers can use to verify that an employee is legally authorized to work in the United States. With I-9 Employment Eligibility employers can comply with the recently approved House Bill 1804 that requires employers to verify the legal status of all new employees through an employment verification system.

Granted, I know absolutely squat about this company’s services. However, I found it very interesting to know that the service exists right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I wonder if services like this exist for police departments to check citizenship status? I mean, it’s basically the same thing, right? If you can’t work here legally, you can’t live here, right? I’m sure that it wouldn’t take much tweaking to serve our police.

I wonder if something like this would fit in to the Mayor’s “clarification” of existing policy on illegal immigration?

Here’s USIS website if anybody wants to go investigate to see what they’re all about. If it looks good, I suggest getting a quote from them, and sending it to the Mayor.

Labels: Immigration Reform, Kathy Taylor

Posted at 12:47 PM |   

Its difficult to know where to direct your frustrations in this editorial by the Muskogee Phoenix. The Phoenix has basically resorted to calling us xenophobes and nativists because a majority of us - both Democrat and Republican - want to know who is in our country! We also do not want to reward people who have broken our laws with a path to citizenship! If we are fearful, it is because of the security concerns we have due to our porous border with Mexico.

"The illegal alien tussle in Tulsa exemplifies the need for Congress to enact immigration reform and calm Americans’ fear, much of it irrational fear, over illegal immigration.

Rep. John Sullivan wanted Tulsa police to verify the legal status of everyone they come into contact with, and Sullivan received support from the Tulsa City Council, which approved that police policy about two weeks ago.

Sullivan explained his motivation was to see that Tulsa received an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office and greater federal presence in eastern Oklahoma.

Mayor Kathy Taylor had not signed onto the policy as of this past week. Good for her." Read more

Related:

Hat tip: Mike's Memo

"Former State Trooper Dan Howard takes on Tulsa Oklahoma Mayor Kathy Taylor (D) and her 'Sanctuary City' Policies. He gave a 5-minute speech to the Tulsa City Council two weeks ago and looks like he dressed Rev Victor Orta down pretty well too! The strong resolution passed, but Mayor Taylor is probably going to ignore it and continue to welcome illegals. Dan is waiting for Round 2 on this issue. Citizens across the nation should be doing this."

Labels: Immigration Reform, Kathy Taylor, Rep. John Sullivan

Posted at 12:07 PM |   

Video also includes clips from national broadcasts on passage of HB 1804

Labels: Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill, Spkr. Cargill

Posted at 8:28 AM |   

From the meeciteewurkor blog:

Listening to KFAQ this morning, I was greatly disturbed (and disgusted) that the Tulsa World would run story after story which are obviously geared toward the “Pro-illegal immigration” crowd.

I called in to KFAQ and Gwen and Chris graciously allowed me to vent the anger I was feeling towards the Tulsa World and the obvious slanted prose they put out in what they call the daily paper.

If you heard those words, then you know that you have an opportunity to tell the Tulsa World, Tulsa, and Governor Brad Henry what you think about illegal immigration and the House Bill currently on Brad Henry’s desk which he needs to sign. Read more...

Labels: Immigration Reform, Press Bias

Posted at 1:41 PM |   

Labels: Immigration Reform, Picture of the Day

Posted at 10:15 AM |   

Lawmakers in the House on Wednesday approved an omnibus Republican immigration reform package with overwhelming bipartisan support, sending the measure to the state Senate for consideration.

"We've done the heavy lifting, and now it's time for the Senate and the governor to work with us to pass real immigration reform for Oklahoma," said Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore), author of House Bill 1804. "We haven't heard much publicly from the governor on this issue, but Oklahomans are rallying for the strongest reforms in the nation. It's my hope that all parties can work together to enact this bill into law."

"Our immigration reform plan is about respect for the rule of law and ensuring that our state's social safety net isn't strained to the breaking point," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah). "Illegal immigration is a hidden tax on hardworking families in this state. It's costing us hundreds of millions of dollars a year. The federal government has ignored the problem, so we're going to take action now in Oklahoma."

House Bill 1804, the Oklahoma Taxpayer & Citizen Protection Act of 2007, has the support of two national immigration reform advocacy groups. Called the most meaningful immigration reform effort in the nation, the measure is a key part of the House GOP's Safe Families platform in the Year of Ideas Agenda.

A key element in House Bill 1804, the Basic Pilot Program, uses federal databases to determine work eligibility.

Oklahoma would be among the first in the nation to enroll in the program, and employers would be required to use the database system to confirm employees' legal status. Several Oklahoma employers already use the system, and Terrill said Basic Pilot would reduce the possibility of discrimination in the work environment.

"This system provides a quick, fair and streamlined way for employers to check on the legal status of new hires,"

said Terrill. "And it ensures that all new hires are treated equally, without regard to things like ethnicity. "Terrill said that opponents of immigration reform have tried to sidetrack the debate with inaccurate and overheated claims about discrimination. Terrill said that Oklahoma and the United States should welcome legal immigrants with open arms.

"Legal immigration is part of what makes America great. The melting pot of legal immigrants who come to Oklahoma makes our state great," said Terrill. "But there's a stark difference between legal and illegal immigration. I've likened our illegal immigration crisis to the 'broken window' analogy. If you have one broken window in a neighborhood and do nothing to repair it, you'll soon have a neighborhood full of broken windows. That's the situation we have with illegal immigration, only we're faced with broken borders. As a nation we have looked the other way and ignored the problem for too long."

Labels: Immigration Reform, OK House, Rep. Randy Terrill, Spkr. Cargill

Posted at 7:40 AM |   

The Oklahoma House is slated to vote on Bill 1804, the Oklahoma Taxpayer & Citizen Protection Act of 2007, at approximately 1:30 p.m. The measure has been called the most meaningful reform effort in the nation by the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI).

Authored by Rep. Terrill, the measure is a key part of the House Republican majority's legislative agenda.

Labels: Immigration Reform, OK House, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 9:41 AM |   

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Missouri Governor Matt Blunt says his state has cancelled the contract of an Oklahoma-based company suspected of hiring illigal immigrants that were working for a state janitorial contractor.

Blunt says the employees worked for Sam's Janitorial Services, an Oklahoma-based company that had nine contracts to perform custodial work in Jefferson City, Columbia and Kansas City.

All of the workers detained today were in Jefferson City.

The governor says he's barred the company from doing any further business with the state.

Blunt also says he signed an executive order directing state agencies to audit all contractors to ensure their employees are legally eligible to work in the United States.

Listen: Governor's news conference on arrests of illegals (22:00 MP3)

Labels: Immigration Reform

Posted at 8:19 AM |   

NORMAN, Okla.(AP) Former Mexican President Vicente Fox urges the respect of human and labor rights and says constructing a wall between the two nations is a waste of time and money.

Fox's comments came today as he addressed an academic convocation at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.

Fox served as Mexico's president from 2000 to 2006. He touted his country's economic improvement in recent years, but said much work remains to be done to provide more educational opportunities for its citizens.

He drew loud applause from the mostly students in the audience when he called for a greater United Nations presence in Iraq and urged the United States to exit the country.

O-U President David Boren praised Fox for breaking seven decades of one-party rule in Mexico and for bringing stability to the country's economy.

Labels: Immigration Reform, OU

Posted at 7:21 AM |   

House GOP will advance "most meaningful immigration reform in the nation"

House Republicans leaders said today they will advance the nation's most meaningful immigration reform law this week when a House committee takes up House Bill 1804, an omnibus reform measure.

"Our immigration reform effort is about upholding Oklahoma's rule of law and respecting immigrants who come to our country legally," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah). "We must do more to make sure that Oklahoma's social safety net is not strained to the breaking point by illegal immigration."

Rep. Randy Terrill, author of House Bill 1804, the Oklahoma Taxpayer & Citizen Protection Act of 2007, said the measure is scheduled to be heard by the full House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in room 412-C at the State Capitol. The measure is a key part of the House GOP's Safe Families platform in the Year of Ideas Agenda.

Terrill said that on Feb. 28, in addition to the bill's presentation in committee, representatives from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) will also demonstrate a key element of House Bill 1804, the federal status verification system, called the Basic Pilot Program. The demonstration will take place at 9 a.m. in room 512A at the State Capitol.

Basic Pilot uses federal databases to determine work eligibility. Oklahoma would be among the first in the nation to enroll in the program, and employers would be required to use the database system to confirm employees' legal status.

"Our federal government hasn't stopped illegal immigration, so it's up to states to lead the way," said Terrill (R-Moore). "This is about respect for our nation's laws and our state's laws. If you have one broken window in a neighborhood and do nothing to repair it, you'll soon have a neighborhood full of broken windows. That's the situation we have with illegal immigration. As a nation we have looked the other way and ignored the problem for too long."

The Washington, D.C.-based Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI) calls House Bill 1804 the most meaningful immigration reform bill in the nation. The IRLI says that, if enacted, HB 1804 will be the most significant single step that any state has taken in this area.

"This is an excellent piece of legislation that carefully balances critical enforcement obligations with respect for the dignity and privileges of U.S. citizens and legal alien residents," said Michael Hethmon, general counsel for the IRLI. "House Bill 1804 gives workers, law abiding businesses, and the taxpayers who fund Oklahoma public services the protection they need against unfair competition."

Labels: Immigration Reform, OK House, Rep. Randy Terrill

Posted at 12:20 PM |   

Labels: Immigration Reform, OK Legislator's Blog, Rep. Jason Murphey

Posted at 8:10 AM |