By Devona Walker
Staff Writer

The push for immigration reform in Oklahoma and other states is slowing.

Last year, 46 states enacted 194 immigration statutes, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. This year, defeats outnumber successes.

Legislators in Oklahoma and across the nation have either modified or abandoned immigration proposals.

Some speculate the change in direction is related to a more vocal dissent and fear of litigation from the business community. Others say a seriously strained economy has prompted caution.

And with existing statutes in Arizona and Oklahoma in litigation, many lawmakers appear to be holding off until legal hurdles are cleared.

"The political mood has changed to the extent that many of us who supported HB 1804, now we want to step back and see how effective it is, to make sure it works, instead of just tacking on more laws,â€