Thread: OK: Am Dream Coalition wants to stop immigration law

Immigration Debate Heats Up

KOTV - 8/25/2007 4:51 PM - Updated 8/25/2007 6:27 PM

People who want to stop Oklahoma’s new immigration law from taking effect gathered Saturday in south Tulsa for a community forum. News On 6 reporter Chris Wright reports the new state law has a number of Tulsa area Hispanic families afraid for their families and their future in eastern Oklahoma.

The auditorium at Union High School at 71st and Mingo was nearly full Saturday afternoon. Members of the American Dream Coalition, who sponsored the forum, say that is surprising because they estimate that thousands of Hispanics have already moved out of the Tulsa area.

"Over 20,000, at least, have already left, and that's devastating to families. economies, businesses and churches," says Rev. Victor Orta with the American Dream Coalition.

Leaders stressed that people should not be afraid of State House Bill 1804, which goes into effect November 1, and targets illegal alien workers. They also alleged that Tulsa Police are already taking advantage of the legislation, and targeting Hispanic drivers during traffic stops.

"It's gone beyond just a regular routine. To be truthful, there's been a lot of racial profiling," Rev. Victor Orta said.

Carol Helm of IRON, Immigration Reform for Oklahoma Now, says that is simply not true. She believes police, and legislators, are simply doing their jobs.

"I think the frustration of the dream coalition and other organizations opposed to 1804 is that they refuse to uphold the rule of law. Their aim is to devise additional methods to break the laws," says Carol Helm.

American Dream Coalition members admit they are for more than frustrated with House Bill 1804, they are angry. In an attempt to prevent the bill from going into effect, the group, along with the help of Coalition of Latin Clergy, plans to file a lawsuit soon. They believe they can stop what they saw is an unfair, and unconstitutional, piece of legislation.

"It's a shame. It should be a shame to all of them. Using rhetoric, inflammatory rhetoric, and cruel language," says Rev. Miguel Rivera with the Coalition of Latin Clergy.

The American Dream Coalition's attorney says the basis for the upcoming lawsuit is simple; immigration law is the responsibility of the federal government, not state lawmakers.

Coalition officials say they are confident the courts will agree with them, before House Bill 1804 goes into effect November 1.

Watch the video: Stopping Oklahoma's New Immigration Law


http://www.kotv.com/news/topstory/?id=134688

I think this kind of Blatant disrespect for our laws causes a lot of citizens to speak out against these people. It is sad to see a reverned lie to try and get his way........

I can only hope those returning to their home countries will take up their cause there with this same tanacity as they have shown here.........

Something is fishy here. If you go to the website for the American Dream Coalition, their members are very conservative and include the Heritage Foundation. It just doesn't fit with this article. I think they need to be contacted that someone else is using their name to advance a pro illegal immigration agenda.

Us in Oklahoma will not tolorate our laws being overturned like in Mexifornia in the 80's.

Illegal aliens trying to overturn and stop our laws. Upside down world.