The Oklahoma Senate has approved a bill that aims to designate illegal immigration as a state offense.
House Bill 4156 criminalizes the act of “impermissible occupation,” which refers to individuals knowingly and unlawfully entering and staying in Oklahoma without obtaining legal authorization to enter the United States, as stated in the bill.
If the bill is passed and becomes law, individuals residing in Oklahoma as undocumented immigrants would be charged with a misdemeanor offense. The punishment for this offense could include a maximum sentence of one year in county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. Upon conviction or release from custody, whichever occurs later, those found guilty would be obligated to leave the state within 72 hours.
Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat expressed concern over the escalating illegal activities stemming from the southern border crisis. He highlighted the surge in fentanyl, human trafficking, and crime within our communities, attributing it to the federal government’s failure to secure our borders. In response, the Oklahoma Legislature has taken decisive action to safeguard its citizens. Treat emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating that inaction is unacceptable. He firmly believes that the proposed legislation is the right step towards ensuring the safety of Oklahomans and upholding the rule of law.
The bill was voted against by the eight Democrats in the Senate.
According to Senator Michael Brooks from Oklahoma City, immigrants constitute seven percent of the labor force in Oklahoma, primarily working in challenging positions in the hospitality, agriculture, and construction industries. They are recognized as diligent individuals who actively contribute to communities across the state. It is worth noting that Oklahoma is home to approximately 33,000 undocumented immigrants who collectively contribute around $26 million each year in state income tax. With the existing labor shortage, the question arises, how will these vacant positions be filled, and how will the state compensate for the loss of $26 million? In order to address these challenges, Senator Brooks emphasizes the need for practical solutions that prioritize people rather than politics.
The House successfully passed the bill last week.