Oklahoma lawmakers unveiled a bill on Thursday that aims to criminalize illegal immigration at the state level.
According to House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate Speaker Pro Tem Greg Treat, the bill establishes the offense of impermissible occupation. This offense refers to the act of willfully and without permission entering and remaining in the State of Oklahoma without obtaining legal authorization to enter the United States.
If an individual is found guilty of the offense for the first time, they will be required to depart the state within 72 hours of receiving the court order and will be prohibited from returning. This initial violation is considered a misdemeanor and may result in a jail sentence of up to one year, as well as a fine of no more than $500.
Second convictions carry the weight of a felony charge, which can result in a jail sentence of up to two years and a maximum fine of $1,000. Similarly, individuals must still adhere to the conditions of leaving the state and not being allowed to return.
Next week, lawmakers plan to introduce a new legislation that will prohibit Oklahoma cities from becoming “sanctuary cities,” where immigration laws are not enforced.
“I refuse to let Oklahoma suffer the same fate as border states or be burdened with the problems witnessed in New York and California,” expressed McCall. “Oklahoma’s residents should not be responsible for the expenses incurred by those who are in our country illegally. With this legislation, we aim to discourage illegal immigrants from choosing Oklahoma as their destination. I hope that this rational safeguard for our state’s border will swiftly pass through both the House and Senate so that it can be signed into law by the Governor.”
According to Treat, keeping Oklahoma safe is the main reason why the bill is necessary.
According to Treat, it is essential to have a transparent process for granting citizenship and to be aware of the individuals we are welcoming legally into our country. He emphasizes that the increase in illegal immigration has resulted in a concerning rise in violent gang members entering the country. These individuals are not only a threat to public safety but also contribute to the smuggling of dangerous substances like fentanyl into Oklahoma.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently approved a similar bill, while a Texas law is currently facing legal challenges. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans recently heard arguments on SB 4, which had been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the appeals court reversed its previous decision and scheduled a new hearing.