Oklahoma’s Anti-Immigration Bill Becomes Law July 1
May 2, 2024
Well, Texas did it.
Oklahoma’s new anti-immigration law, which will go into effect July 1, allows state law enforcement personnel to arrest undocumented people for what the bill called illegal occupation. It’s a misdemeanor on the first offense and a felony the second time around. In either case, offenders must leave the state within 72 hours of their conviction or release from custody, whichever comes later.
The most-stated concern is that despite the governor’s signing statement assuring Oklahomans the law won’t lead to inequitable, racist enforcement, that’s precisely what it will do.
Cracked taillight lens? Let’s see your papers.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond said the law was needed to curtail illegal marijuana growing. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat said it was necessary to slow fentanyl smuggling.
The Oklahoman’s Alexia Aston did a good job breaking down whether the law will really address either of those problems. You can read her story here.
More worth reading:
Pandemic Will Cost Students Thousands
Students of the COVID-19 era will likely take home thousands of dollars less in wages annually than they would have had the pandemic not occurred, according to a new education study. [Oklahoma Eagle]
FEMA Administrator Tours Tornado Damage
FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell joined Gov. Kevin Stitt and Sen. James Lankford in surveying the damage in Marietta that was caused by the Saturday night tornado that struck the town, killing one person. [AP]
Turner to Head Commerce
Heather Turner, executive director of the Jenks Chamber of Commerce, has been chosen to head the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Tuesday. [Tulsa World]
Oklahoma Territory was created on this day in 1890.
Ciao for now,
Ted Streuli
Executive Director, Oklahoma Watc
