Oklahoma Republican House Speaker Charles McCall recently introduced immigration legislation that closely follows a law currently under consideration in Texas. This law is known to be one of the strictest immigration laws in the country.
In a statement announcing the legislation, McCall emphasized that the failed policies of the Biden administration have transformed every state into a border state.
Oklahoma prides itself as a state that upholds the rule of law, making it an undesirable destination for illegal immigrants seeking to settle after crossing the border. Taking into account recent legal decisions concerning Senate Bill 4 in Texas, I am taking immediate action by proposing legislation that aims to fortify Oklahoma’s borders in a similar manner to our southern neighbors.
“We are fully prepared to protect the borders of Oklahoma against any individuals who attempt to enter our country illegally.”
Crossing into Texas from another country anywhere other than at a legal port of entry is now considered illegal under Texas S.B. 4. This offense can result in jail time, a deportation order from a state court judge, or both.
Migrants who entered the country without authorization as long as two years prior would be exempt from the rule, but only if they are residing in Texas cities that are located hundreds of miles away from the border.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a key figure in the national discussion on immigration and border policy, argues that the law is a crucial reaction to the unprecedented surge of border crossings. In many instances, South Texas towns have been inundated with hundreds of new migrants daily, overwhelming local resources. Additionally, Abbott and others assert that the federal government has not effectively enforced the existing border security laws.
Texas has been involved in a dispute with federal officials as it strives to enhance immigration enforcement. In an attempt to crack down on immigration, the state’s military took control of a 50-acre public park in Eagle Pass, a popular area for migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, and denied entry to U.S. Border Patrol agents.
There has been a lot of confusion surrounding the current law and the expectations for border patrol due to ongoing court challenges and the back and forth over S.B. 4.
Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe expressed his determination to personally hear from Abbott regarding the status of the law. In a statement to The New York Times on Wednesday, he mentioned, “I am currently on my way to his office.”
