Published: November 05, 2007 09:49 am      

Local residents voice opinions of state’s new Immigration law

House Bill 1804 is a new state immigration law that went into effect on Nov. 1 and directly targets illegal immigrants. Under the new law it makes it a crime to move, transport, or attempt to transport persons know to be illegal aliens within Oklahoma.

It also makes it a crime to conceal, harbor, or shelter anyone who is an illegal alien. The law allows immigrants with temporary legal status to be issued a temporary license that is valid only for the period the immigrant has been admitted to the United States.

Under H.B. 1804 law officials will have to attempt to verify the immigration status of any person arrested or confined. It also requires all state and local agencies to verify lawful presence of applicants who are applying for public benefits, but it still provides for emergency care of undocumented workers.

According to the Associated Press, the bill is a way to curb public benefits going to undocumented workers. The law is blamed for widespread fear among Hispanic communities and has caused them to rally to denounce the law as oppressive.

State Sen. Susan Paddack voted for the law in response to support from her constituents.

“I heard overwhelming support from constituents when the bill was being considered,” Paddack said. “I think it will make sure the limited resources we have will go to the citizens of the state. This is a complex issue and there are a lot of things that are coming forward. Obviously the state attorney general will be looking at some issues in this bill and he will define if portions of it are unconstitutional. I have had several calls concerned about workforce issues. I think those issues will be looked at during this session and if there is anything from the attorney general, that will be looked at as well. This bill is in response to the public wanting something done about immigration. It addresses the issue at a state level and the fact that we tackled this issue is in itself significant,” she said.

State Rep. Todd Thomsen voted for the new immigration law as well.

“It think illegal immigration was the most discussed issue in last year’s campaign. I think H.B. 1804 is one of the most comprehensive approaches taken by a state to address the issue. It is one step by our state to take control of an out of control situation,” said Rep. Thomsen.

While many lawmakers and Oklahoma constituents are pleased with the new legislation, there are others outside of the Hispanic community that are upset by the new law.

“I’m opposed to it,” said Tom Bolitho, member of St. Joseph’s Parish Council and Ada resident and businessman. “I think the law is really bad. It criminalizes people that it shouldn’t and it criminalizes people who want to help other people. If someone is here illegally and they want to do the right thing by gaining citizenship, the first thing they are required to do is to go back to their home country for 10 years. The whole system is a mess and this law doesn’t deal with the root of the issues.

“The Hispanic people I know are very hard working and they try to function well in our culture. I am Catholic and I go to mass with many Hispanic people. I don’t know if they are legal or not and I don’t care. I’ve learned so much from them.”