House Republicans Vote to Criminalize Undocumented Oklahomans

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.– On Thursday, Oklahoma House Republicans passed a measure to limit immigration in the state. Introduced by House Speaker Charles McCall and Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat, House Bill 4156 is Oklahoma’s version of Texas Senate Bill 4. Similar to Texas’ legislation, this bill would criminalize undocumented immigrants found in the state.

Issues surrounding immigration have been of heavy debate in state and federal governments alike. As Congress continues to seek a solution to the US-Mexico border crisis, southern states have taken the matter into their own hands. 

Last year, Texas passed Senate Bill 4. It allows state agencies to enforce immigration laws. The law specifically allows law enforcement agencies to arrest anyone they suspect might be in the country illegally. It also allows judges to send those individuals to ports of entry along the Mexico border regardless of where they originally traveled from. If charged, an individual faces up to six months in jail.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Genter Drummond have voiced support for Texas’ immigration enforcement tactics. Drummond also requested that Oklahoma pass copycat legislation to take similar measures. 

If signed into law, those convicted would face up to two years in jail, a fine, and forced to leave the state. 

Swift Action and Strenuous Debate

On Monday, Speaker Charles McCall introduced HB 4156. Twenty-six other Republican representatives signed on as co-authors. Four days later it was passed by the House. 

During Thursday’s debate, several House Democrats debated with their Republican counterparts. 

“Bills like these tend to be more political than policy-driven,” said Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval (D-OKC). “I think it’s important to have a more comprehensive approach and actually be more policy and solutions driven.”

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Alonso-Sandoval questioned co-author Rep. Jon Echols (R-OKC) about potential racial profiling that might occur as a result of this bill. “Nothing inside this bill would allow [racial profiling] and I do trust our law enforcement to not do that,” responded Echols. He later says that the goal of the bill is to make Oklahoma the least attractive state for illegal immigration. 

Bill Passes Oklahoma State House

Ultimately, the bill passed 77-20. It now awaits action from the Senate. 

In a joint press release from House Democrats, Rep. Annie Menz (D-Norman) stated, “This bill is expensive, unenforceable, and encourages people to leave the State of Oklahoma, which would have drastic effects on our workforce and economy.” 

Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson (D-OKC) believes that the federal government is best equipped to handle the issue at the border. “It is clear that this legislation is a political tactic meant to promote the GOP during an election year,” Munson stated. “We do not have the power to implement immigration solutions, but we can focus on ways to help those who are undocumented in Oklahoma.”

House Republicans also joined forces in a press release. “This is a common-sense piece of legislation that allows Oklahoma to protect our citizens and our state borders while also preemptively signaling to those in our country illegally that they should choose another state to migrate to,” said Echols.

Speaker McCall said, “The failure of the federal government to address this issue, and the lack of leadership by the Biden Administration, has turned every state into a border state.” He continues, “Those who jump the line and skip the process cheapen the value of the work put in by those who went through the full legal process to become a citizen of our great country. We will not reward that behavior in Oklahoma, and we will protect our state borders.”