The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved House Bill 4156 on Thursday, voting 77-20 in favor. The bill introduces the concept of ‘impermissible occupation,’ targeting individuals who knowingly enter and remain in Oklahoma without legal authorization to be in the United States.
According to the provisions outlined in HB 4156, impermissible occupation refers to the act of a noncitizen entering and staying in Oklahoma without legal authorization. A first offense constitutes a misdemeanor, with penalties including up to one year in the county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. Additionally, the individual must depart the state within 72 hours following conviction or release from custody. Subsequent offenses are classified as felonies, carrying potential sentences of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
The bill also addresses penalties for noncitizens who have been denied admission, excluded, removed, or left the United States while facing an outstanding removal order and then attempt to enter Oklahoma. Law enforcement is mandated to gather identifying information from those arrested for impermissible occupation, which is then cross-referenced with criminal databases by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to maintain the rule of law and safeguard state borders. However, Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval (D) criticized the bill, alleging that it promotes racial profiling and poses risks to all Oklahomans. He characterized the bill as politically motivated rather than focused on policy or solutions. House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, defended the legislation, asserting that it does not permit racial profiling.
The Oklahoma bill closely resembles a similar immigration measure passed by the Texas Legislature in December 2023, which has faced legal challenges since its enactment. Iowa also enacted a comparable law in March.
This move by Oklahoma underscores the ongoing debate and legislative actions surrounding immigration policy at the state level across the United States.