Published: June 12, 2008 12:36 pm      

Pre-Paid hosts immigration forum

ADA — Leadership Oklahoma hosted a forum on immigration in Ada at Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.’s offices. The forum, “Immigration: Where do we go from here?” is the third in a series sponsored by Leadership Oklahoma across the state, with prior events in Enid and Stillwater. Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. and the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce were local sponsors of the event.

State Senator Susan Paddack moderated the panel discussion which focused on the legal and community issues related to immigration reform in Oklahoma, specifically House Bill 1804, Oklahoma’s tough immigration law which took effect on November 1st, 2007. Guest panelists included Stephen Cortes, attorney with the law firm of Riggs, Abney, Turpen, Orbison and Lewis, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Latino Community Development Agency in Oklahoma City; Xavier Neira, Oklahoma Director for Business Development for Manhattan Construction Company and a member of the State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; and State Representative Todd Thomsen (District 25).

Cortes highlighted the short term and long term economic impact facing Oklahoma as fall out from House Bill 1804 in a global economy. Cores asked, “Do [Oklahomans] really want to compete in a global market? If so, the immigration issue must be addressed.”

Neira reflected on the moral values and cultures of the Hispanic community and highlighted the contributions which the Hispanic community adds to Oklahoma. He also shared the parameters and limitations with work visas by the federal government.

“The real impact of 1804 is still to be felt. We need to balance the laws, the economy and national security,” Neira said.

Following the panel discussion, community members asked questions and gave comments on experiences with immigration issues in the local business and education communities.

For more information on the series, please contact Leadership Oklahoma at www.leadershipoklahoma.com.