Legislative leaders are proposing creating the crime of “impermissible occupation” as a way for Oklahoma law enforcement to address illegal immigration.
House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat are expected to introduce their bill to create the new criminal offense next week.
The first offense would be a misdemeanor with a maximum of one year in a county jail and a $500 fine. Once the time is served, an offender would be required to leave the state within 72 hours and never return. Following offenses would be felonies with up to two years in prison and a fine not less than $1,000.
The soon to be proposed legislation also includes a provision prohibiting cities in Oklahoma from becoming “sanctuary cities.”
McCall has said this was a “Texas-style” bill to address illegal immigration.
“This is common sense legislation that supports Oklahoma’s right to legally defend our state’s borders from those in our country illegally,” said McCall. “I will not allow Oklahoma to become another border state, or be inundated with the issues that are being seen in states like New York and California. Oklahoma citizens should not be footing the bill for those illegally in our country, and this legislation will make Oklahoma the least attractive state in the nation for illegal immigrants to come to. It is my hope that this common sense protection for our state’s border will pass the House and Senate quickly so we can get it signed by the Governor.”
Treat feels the federal government just isn’t doing its job in securing the border. Oklahoma is dealing with the fallout.
“Legal immigration provides endless opportunities for individuals to come to our country and prosper,” said Treat. “There is a clear pathway to citizenship, and we should know who we are allowing to come here legally. With the influx of illegal immigration, we are seeing a scourge of violent gang members coming in who are bringing deadly drugs like fentanyl across the border and into Oklahoma. After extensive discussions with law enforcement officials, our congressional delegation and many others, this legislation is absolutely necessary to keep Oklahomans safe, while upholding the rule of law in our country.”
