BY VALLERY BROWN
Oklahoman
Published: May 30, 2010

Cries of racism clashed with shouts about the rule of law. Worries of employees and profits weighed on business owners. Lawmakers hailed Oklahoma's 2007 immigration law as the perfect mix of public opinion and public policy.


When Gov. Brad Henry signed it three years ago on May 9, 2007, HB 1804 was considered the most far-reaching immigration law in the United States. That title was reassigned only this year when Arizona passed its own immigration law.

Critics contend HB 1804 is all talk and hate: a law with 24 provisions that's neither slowed nor curbed undocumented workers from coming to the state. Others applaud state legislators who tried what federal lawmakers have balked at.

"Oklahoma is the gold standard for us,â€