A bill that would make illegal migration a state crime is being viewed with mixed feelings by Oklahoma lawmakers.
The news reports that House Bill 4156 is creating the crime of “impermissible occupation.” According to the bill, an impermissible occupation is a person who willfully and without permission enters and remains in Oklahoma without authorisation and without first obtaining legal authorization to enter the United States.
Anyone living in Oklahoma as an irregular immigrant would be guilty of a misdemeanour, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. Offenders will be required to leave the state within 72 hours of conviction or release from custody.
A second offence would be a felony.
The Governor, Kevin Stitt, signed it on Tuesday.
Stitt revealed how disappointed he was that the bill became necessary. He said that since Biden became president, over 10 million people have crossed into the United States through the southern border. He further said their coming in irregularly gave Oklahomans a lot of concern about who could be lying in wait for a chance to bring harm into the country.
Gentner Drummond, the Attorney General, also said, “Oklahoma has reaped the consequences of the Biden Administration’s failure to secure our nation’s border…”
However, to others, the bill is unconstitutional.
Leader Cyndi, the House Majority Leader, said, “This legislation is dangerous and scary, and I am saddened to see the Governor overlook the many – progressive, conservative, and religious – voices opposing this bill. Not to mention the voices of people
who would be directly impacted.”
The law will take effect on July 1.
