Coates Seeks Repeal Of Parts Of HB1804

From The State Senate ~ Over the past few years, the State Legislature has passed right to work and tort reform measures designed to make Oklahoma more attractive to business, but now the state has a law on the books that negates those efforts.

That’s according to Republican Senator Harry Coates, Co-Chair of the Senate Business and Labor Committee and the only Republican in the Legislature to vote against HB 1804. Coates announced he would file legislation to repeal portions of the bill approved during the 2007 session aimed at illegal immigrants.

“I think people in the legislature, the business community, private citizens and churches of many denominations are beginning to realize that this legislation is having an extremely negative impact on our state in many areas,” said Coates, R-Seminole. “I know there are those who felt this measure would not be good for Oklahoma but they supported it anyway because they worried that a no vote would be used against them in the next election. It was the classic case of good politics resulting in bad policy.”

Coates said the bill would likely include provisions to repeal sections of 1804 dealing with the harboring and transporting of illegal immigrants. He said the bill is causing a tremendous hardship for property and business owners alike. In addition, HB 1804 has caused difficulty for churches and humanitarian organizations although many have said they would continue to help anyone who comes to them for assistance. Coates said he would also file legislation to give some relief to businesses offering jobs that pay at least twice the minimum wage, but can no longer fill those positions.

“This law was passed out of frustration with the federal government for not doing their job of closing off our borders and enforcing current laws,” Coates said. “But one of the reasons for lack of movement on a federal level is the fact that tens of billions of dollars flow into government coffers from social security and from W2 withholdings that illegal immigrants do not claim. And regardless of what HB 1804 supporters say, jobs that pay twice the minimum wage are going unfilled because too many American citizens simply won’t do hard, physical labor.”

Coates said since HB 1804 became law last month he has received numerous phone calls from farmers, business owners and contractors.

“They want to know where the replacement workers will come from to fill the jobs resulting from the recent exodus of the immigrant worker and they are angry with the legislature for putting good politics ahead of good policy,” Coates said. “Furthermore, many of the same legislators who claim to champion the rights of the unborn child have flip-flopped when the child is being born to a mother who is here illegally. How can they not see the hypocrisy of their wish to refuse pre-natal care to those babies and their mothers?”

Coates said it was also hypocritical for lawmakers to claim to be a friend to business and then essentially throw farmers and business owners under the bus.

“I do not believe the citizens of this state sent us to the legislature to focus on getting re-elected,” Coates said. “Our job is to provide leadership in creating public policy that will help, not hurt Oklahomans.”

“It is my deepest hope that my fellow members will have the courage to help correct the many problems we’re already seeing as a result of the passage of HB 1804,” Coates said. “I also hope that my legislation will pass with an emergency clause so the bill can become law as soon as the Governor signs it. We need to reverse the damage while we still can.”

Share |

Immigration Law Protesters Gather At Capitol

Several hundred people met on the south steps of the Capitol today to protest House Bill 1804, one of the toughest immigration laws in the nation. "This country is not ours, but since we are here, we are going to fight for our rights,” said Isobel Sauceda, an illegal immigrant who came with about 10 other immigrants from work. Some protesters were legal, others were not.

Several state leaders spoke at the rally, including Rep. Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma NAACP President Roosevelt Milton. The crowd, waving American flags, and many holding signs, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, sang the national anthem and stood for a moment of silence.

Share |

Tulsa Arrest Sparks New Immigration Law Debate

A U.S. citizen was arrested under the state's controversial new anti-illegal immigrant law overnight in Tulsa County, an opponent of the law said Thursday. The woman was arrested for transporting her boyfriend, who was an illegal alien, said the Rev. Miguel Rivera, president of the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders. Under the law, which went into effect at midnight, it is a felony to knowingly transport an illegal alien. Read the entire story at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=071101_1__AUSci58616.

Share |

Federal Judge Clears Way For Immigration Law

A federal judge denied late Wednesday a request by Latino groups to block the implementation of a new state law targeting illegal immigrants, paving the way for the bill to take effect in a matter of hours.

Share |

Tulsa Judge Takes No Action On Immigration Law

U.S. District Judge James Payne in Tulsa has taken no action to prevent the state's controversial anti-illegal immigration law from going into effect Thursday.

At the conclusion of a Wednesday hearing, where opponents of the law had sought a preliminary injunction blocking House Bill 1804, Payne did nothing to stop it from taking effect as scheduled. While Payne could still act up to midnight to stop the law from going into effect, it appears he will not block the law.

Share |

Edmondson Asks Court To Dismiss HB1804 Lawsuit

Attorney General Drew Edmondson today asked a federal court to dismiss the second lawsuit challenging the illegal immigration bill, House Bill 1804, that takes effect Thursday: "The first lawsuit was dismissed because the judge ruled the plaintiffs could not show how they have been harmed by a law that has yet to go into effect," said Senior Assistant Attorney General Sandy Rinehart. "We believe that to also be true of this second challenge."

Share |

Terrill Critics Hurl Racist Label, Defenders Reject It

State Rep. Randy Terrill's effort to halt illegal immigration and his authorship of the state's new immigration law, House Bill 1804, has prompted opponents and some of Oklahoma's liberal bloggers to label him a "racist." As the law's effective date of November 1st drew near this week, the personal attacks on Terrill escalated.

Now, some conservative bloggers are riding to Terrill's defense, arguing that liberals always bring out the "racist" label to describe those with whom they disagree.

Blogger and radio personality Ron Black writes today, "I know and like Representative Randy Terrill and when he comes clean and admits that he is going to run for Lt. Governor, I'll be one of the first to support him. What I cannot understand is what I heard today from one of the representatives who oppose HB1804 - a man told a reporter on KTOK that he believes Randy's motivation was 'racial.' Huh? I know Randy and know him to be a good man who is not racist at all, but rather would like to see Oklahoma tax dollars be spent more efficiently and when it is being spent, that it is spent on Oklahomans who are here legally. To most of us with more than 50 or 60 functioning brain cells, that makes pretty good sense. But to some, to presume that folks here illegally should not receive the same benefits as those here legally is, well, anathema.

"The ones who preach tolerance have again become so very, very intolerant.

"'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.' That, my friends, is where we are heading and this illegal immigration mess is emblematic of a bigger problem that has permeated every fiber of fabric interwoven in our culture.

"This is not a race issue in my estimation, but rather is an issue of fiscal responsibility and trust me, as a card-carrying Republican, we've seen very little fiscal restraint coming from within the ranks of my beloved GOP. One thing about the Democratic Party on a national level - they let you know up front that they want as many tax dollars as they can take from us and they make no bones about it. We, on the other hand, are a little less forthright in our tax-and-spend policies (we keep our wasteful spending secret, behind closed doors).

"To say that Randy Terrill is a racist is as ludicrous as saying that there should be no borders, no set of laws, no civil order. Both propositions are ridiculous on their faces and I am horribly disappointed that once again, we're missing the whole point to begin with: Illegal immigrants (regardless of the color of their skin) are here (get ready for it) illegally."

And this, from the Red Stater blog: "Here is the way debate goes according to those on the left. Ready? Okay. Debate over, accept their claims as fact or else you're a racist.

"While the left proclaims to simply disagree with the President and his policies and seek to only debate the issues, (does that make them unpatriotic?) the exact opposite is what they really end up doing every single time.

"On the war in Iraq: There is no debate. First they were on Bush's side in the war and in spite of voting for the war on multiple occasions Democrats (without any debate on the issue) changed their view, called the President a liar, General Petraeus a liar, our troops murderers and called for immediate withdrawal from Iraq, refusing to discuss the fact that Al Qaeda is even there, that Petreaeus was right, that Bush's surge is working and that the charges against the troops for murder were dropped.

"Democrats refuse to discuss any of these issues, but will call you a racist if you mention radical Islam or Islamo-Fascism or security at the airports.

"Where is the debate?

"On Global warming: In spite of there being more scientists refuting claims of man-made global warming than there are scientists supporting it, Democrats demand that we accept global warming as a fact without any debate whatsoever. When someone does ask for some discussion on the issue (Inhofe) they are dismissed and branded as anti-science...or a racist because the liberals say global warming affects the poor and minorities more than the general population.

"Where is the exchange of ideas?

"On Abortion: Try debating this one with a liberal and see what happens... I dare ya', ...you sexist, racist, woman hater.

"On Healthcare: Hillary knows best, everyone else shut-up (you racists)... there is no debating healthcare, It's for the children, the poor and minorities.

"On taxes: Try and discuss lower taxes and how it stimulates the economy...the answer is always the same...'Rich people hate poor people, you racists.'

"Where is the debate?

"On enforcing immigration laws and the border... 'you racist.' On protecting marriage ... 'you homophobic racist.'"

Share |

Immigration Law Faces New Legal Test In Tulsa

Attorneys will ask a Tulsa federal judge Wednesday to put a hold on a new law that would crack down on illegal immigration in Oklahoma, the Associated Press reports. The group plans to ask for a temporary injunction. A federal lawsuit challenging the law, which goes into effect Thursday, was refiled last week. It added eight undocumented residents who plan to testify that they will face eviction from their landlords unless they provide legal identification, such as a social security card, as required by the new law. The other plaintiffs include the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and two churches.

Share |

Immigration Law Opponents Want Delay

From www.tulsaworld.com ~ Hispanic community leaders and others against Oklahoma's controversial immigration reform law gathered at the Capitol Monday to call for a delay in enforcing the rule until the federal government comes up with a better solution.

The law, which takes effect Thursday, has sparked intense fear in the Hispanic community that families will be separated, several speakers said."We're asking for a moratorium on all raids, arrests and deportations until such a time as our Congress assumes the responsibility of an immigration law that is just and comprehensive," said the Rev. Victor Orta, president of the American Dream Coalition.

"We are for fair and comprehensive immigration reform, and our Congress has failed us," he said.

The group also announced plans to meet at noon, Thursday, at on the Capitol's South steps to protest the law.

Generally, House Bill 1804, by Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, and Sen. James Williamson, R-Tulsa, makes it a felony to transport or shelter an undocumented immigrant. The bill also tightened rules on identification cards, employment and education benefits."1804 is a very popular law," said Rep. Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City. "But, so was Prohibition, and it didn't
take us long to figure out that Prohibition caused more problems than it solved."

Share |

Catholic Leaders Sign Pledge Of 'Defiance'

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City's Council of Priests, along with Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran, have signed a pledge of "defiance" aimed at the new immigration reform law. The pledge will be delivered to Governor Brad Henry's office on Friday, the signers said. It outlines the clergy leaders' opposition to the law which goes into effect next Thursday.

The pledge reads: This new law is fiercely anti-immigrant and is not reflective of values which respect people and families.

With the advent of this new law, we are standing together in opposition and defiance of this unjust and immoral law.

This law states that to aid, assist or transport any undocumented person in the state of Oklahoma is a felony and “on violating the provisions of subsections A or B of this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year, or by a fine of not less than One (1) Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Our various faith traditions instruct us to do good to all peoples. There is no exemption clause for those persons who do not have documentation of their citizenship status. We will not show partiality to those who are in need of humanitarian assistance.

Because this law is overly punitive and makes a felony of the act of providing humanitarian assistance to an undocumented person in need; we the undersigned clergy, religious leaders, and lay people of conscience will not and can not obey this law. We will continue to aid and assist all people regardless of their legal citizenship status, with charitable care and spiritual counsel.

We people of faith and conscience refuse to be defined by fear of Oklahoma’s law which makes servant-leaders felons. Rather, we stand in obedience to faith, hope, and love. We call for repeal of this anti-immigrant bill and for the passage of immigration reform that provides justice for all of God’s children.

We stand together, in solidarity, in defiance of this law because of our allegiance to a higher law; the love of humanity.

Share |

HB1804 Lawsuit Refiled In Tulsa Federal Court

A federal lawsuit challenging House Bill 1804, a state law aimed at illegal immigrants, was re-filed today, this time with additional plaintiffs who say they are facing eviction because of the measure.

U.S. District Judge James H. Payne earlier dismissed the first lawsuit filed against the new law, which is due to take effect next Thursday.

Payne ruled that the original suit's plaintiffs, the National Coalition of Latino Clergy, its Oklahoma affiliate, two churches, a restaurant group and several anonymous individuals, could not challenge the law because they could not show that it had damaged them.

Share |

Illegal Immigrants Can Get Free Flu Shots

A new state law that creates barriers for undocumented immigrants to receive public benefits will not prevent them from receiving free flu shots, says an attorney for the Oklahoma Department of Health. Illegal immigrants are eligible for the shots, said Charles Broadway, assistant general counsel for the Health Department. The immigration law, House Bill 1804, goes into effect on November 1st but will not apply to flu vaccinations, Broadway said.

Share |

How Funny Is This?

Tulsa ~ At an informational meeting that was already planned for Monday night at East Central High School, American Dream Coalition President Victor Orta II said the fight against HB 1804 will continue. "We're planning for the long haul, and we've already planned the next step," Orta said through a translator.

Share |

Federal Judge Dismisses Hispanic Lawsuit

U. S. District Judge James Payne of Tulsa today dismissed a lawsuit brought by Hispanic groups seeking to block implementation of House Bill 1804, a state law aimed at illegal immigrants. Payne ordered the case dismissed because he found that none of the plaintiffs in the case had been injured by the law, so they do not have standing to file the suit.

Share |

Latinos Seek Emergency Federal Court Action

From The Tulsa World Online ~ The National Coalition of Latino Clergy has filed an emergency motion in Tulsa federal court asking for an expedited hearing in the lawsuit filed Monday in which it and other plaintiffs are challenging House Bill 1804, a strict new state law against illegal immigration.

In the motion filed electronically after business hours on Thursday, the plaintiffs asked for a hearing as soon as possible on its motion for an preliminary injunction. Such an injunction would prevent enforcement of the law, which is scheduled to go into effect by Nov. 1. In their motion, the plaintiffs claim they will suffer irreparable injury unless the court issues an injunction before November 1st.

Share |