How Republican-led states far from the US-Mexico border are rushing to pass tough immigration laws
Oklahoma is poised to become the latest Republican-led state to impose criminal penalties for those who reside in the state illegally
By SEAN MURPHY, Associated Press
Published: April 27, 2024, 6:02am
Share:
FILE - People at the Keep Families Together rally as the son of Holocaust survivors speaks about the importance of offering asylum in the South Plaza of the Oklahoma State Capitol Building in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, June 30, 2017. The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday, April 24, 2024, gave final approval to a bill that would make illegal immigration a crime. (Anya Magnuson/The Oklahoman via AP, File)
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican-led states are rushing to give broader immigration enforcement powers to local police and impose criminal penalties for those living in the country illegally as the issue of migrants crossing the U.S. border remains central to the 2024 elections.
The Oklahoma Legislature this week fast-tracked a bill to the governor that creates the new crime of “impermissible occupation,” which imposes penalties of as much as two years in prison for being in the state illegally.
Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.
Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.
