Oklahoma, mirroring Texas, is poised to address concerns surrounding illegal immigration with a new legislative proposal.
House Speaker Charles McCall emphasized that the proposed immigration bill is not solely aimed at individuals entering unlawfully through the southern border. McCall highlighted the broader scope, noting instances of illegal immigration from various nations such as China and Russia.
McCall pointed to recent challenges stemming from an increase in foreign criminal activity, particularly following the legalization of medical marijuana in the state. He cited issues such as human trafficking and the illegal exportation of marijuana not intended for medicinal purposes.
The primary objective of the bill is to mitigate unauthorized occupation within the state. Under the proposed legislation, individuals found residing unlawfully in Oklahoma would face a fine of $500. While law enforcement would not immediately deport offenders, they would be given a three-day grace period to depart the state.
McCall emphasized the consequences of non-compliance, stating, “If you do not leave the state of Oklahoma within 72 hours and you have a follow-up offense, it can result in incarceration as well.”
Illegal immigration ranks as the foremost political concern among Oklahomans, according to McCall. However, he emphasized that the issue extends beyond state borders, suggesting that similar measures could be adopted by neighboring states.
“This piece of legislation is also crafted with the potential for adoption by other states in our region,” McCall explained. “Rather than pursuing individual state solutions to a crisis, we aim to foster a regional approach.”
The proposed legislation signals Oklahoma’s proactive stance on addressing illegal immigration and presents a potential model for collaborative solutions among neighboring states.