Beebe compares Ark. immigration laws to Oklahoma

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe says his state has almost all the laws Oklahoma does when it comes to fighting illegal immigration -- with only a couple of minor differences.

However, penalties are far harsher in Oklahoma for illegal immigrants and those who might help them.

Oklahoma's law sets criminal penalties for those harboring or transporting illegal immigrants. It also forces both state and private businesses to thoroughly screen employees.

Meanwhile, the Arkansas Legislature passed only one bill focused on illegal immigration during its session last year.

Beebe says his office created a position paper for him comparing the two states' illegal immigration laws. The governor often faces questions on the issue when he appears on call-in talk shows.

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