Oklahoma Looks Like It Will Get TOUGH on Immigrants

AP (here) reports that immigration legislation that would bar illegal immigrants from jobs and public benefits was overwhelmingly approved by the Oklahoma Senate on Monday. Opponents described it as a mean-spirited measure that will cost the state more than it will save. The measure passed 41-6 after supporters said state taxpayers are clamoring for action because of the federal government’s failure to act.  I have not seen th bill but the AP story says that “[t]he measure is described as the toughest state immigration bill in the nation.” An earlier version of the bill passed the House in a bipartisan 88-9 vote last month. Among other things, the measure targets employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants.

We will see if the Governor signs the bill into law.

Kj