Thread: Okla. House panel approves illegal immigration bill that foc

Okla. House panel approves illegal immigration bill that focuses on human trafficking


THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: May 13, 2011 - 6:29 pm
Last Updated: May 13, 2011 - 6:29 pm



OKLAHOMA CITY — A House panel has approved a bill on illegal immigration that focuses primarily on human traffickers, prompting criticism from members of both parties that the bill does little to address the problem.

The measure by Rep. George Faught was signed out of a House conference committee late Friday. The Muskogee Republican says it is the result of input from law enforcement and mostly targets human smugglers and others who prey on illegal immigrants. It also authorizes police to recommend immigrants for certain types of visas if the immigrants report and aid in reporting illegal criminal activity.

Some Democrats and hard-line Republicans complain the bill does little more than placate voters who wanted action on illegal immigration.

Harsh illegal immigration critic Rep. Randy Terrill called the bill "disingenuous and disgraceful."

www.dailyjournal.net

Anti-illegal immigration bill heads to Oklahoma House

BY MICHAEL MCNUTT
Published: May 14, 2011


A House committee advanced an anti-illegal immigration bill that one legislator opposed to the measure called political window dressing.

House Bill 1446 — the lone anti-illegal measure to remain alive this session — is toned down from earlier versions, which included parts of Arizona's anti-illegal immigrant law passed last year.

Also gone from the bill are provisions that bar children of illegal immigrants from receiving tuition assistance for postsecondary education, allow state agencies to report illegal immigrants who apply for state or federal aid, require employers to verify the immigration status of potential employees, outlaw the practice of illegal immigrants seeking work as an independent contractor and making it a crime to pick up illegal immigrants for the purpose of employing them.

Eight of 11 members of the House of Representatives Conference Committee on Public Safety, Judiciary and Military Affairs agreed to advance HB 1446. It now goes to the House, which hopes to wrap up its business by the end of next week.

“It appears to be largely political window dressing,â€