Oklahoma lawmakers are considering a immigration reform measure aimed at thwarting human smugglers and others who prey on undocumented immigrants, while avoiding penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers.
The measure, which follows in the wake of a major immigration reform speech made by President Obama earlier this week, comes as Oklahoma lawmakers debate whether a more stringent proposal is needed.
The current measure has received tough criticism from Republican lawmakers, who say it represents a “watered down” version of an earlier proposal. Oklahoma state Sen. Ralph Shortey, who has introduced a number of proposals, said the current measure was simply put forth in an effort “to put this issue on the backburner.”
While Republican lawmakers campaigned in 2010 on putting forth an immigration reform bill, both parties are facing the prospect of driving jobs outside of the state just as the economy begins to pick up.
Oklahoma Republican governor Mary Fallin said Wednesday she has not seen the latest version of the bill, but that she hopes the measure “will focus on public safety.”
The Oklahoma measure is the latest attempt by state lawmakers around the country to put forth proposals dealing with the issue of immigration reform. President Obama traveled to Texas Tuesday in an effort to call on congressional lawmakers to begin consideration of a comprehensive immigration reform package later this year.
