Uncertain future - OK. immigration law breeds fear
Bleeding Heart Editorial in the Oklahomian
Uncertain future
Immigration law breeds fear
http://newsok.com/article/3103049
THE state's new immigration reform law isn't just keeping illegal aliens on pins and needles, wondering whether they'll be able to work, provide for their families and get medical care. It apparently has many worried parents keeping their children home from school. Does that sound like a law worth bragging about?
That's what state Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, continues to do. Terrill authored the law, which will take effect in phases beginning Nov. 1. After attending a recent national conference, he said he was sure Oklahoma has the nation's toughest state immigration law.
Terrill's initial reform bill was far more offensive than the one that eventually passed. Instead of being satisfied, the law's passage seems to have energized him. He's planning a second round, including an attempt to make English the state's official language. What's the rush?
The new law hasn't even taken effect yet and some provisions won't be effective until next year. There's a lot we don't know about how the law will impact immigrants, businesses, law enforcement, the health care industry and education. In Tulsa last week, many families apparently met the first day of school at five year-round schools with fear.
The Tulsa World reported some Hispanic families kept their children home out of fear school officials would check their immigration status or that immigration officials might lurk near schools to nab illegals. Schools aren't allowed to do the former, and school officials were planning phone calls and home visits to dispel rumors. It's distressing that some believe even elementary schools no longer have the feel of safety and security.
We can't place sole blame for the illegal immigration mess at Terrill's feet. The best solution is a federal one. Absent that, states have taken an unwise foray into the issue. In Arizona, businesses could be shut down for hiring illegal immigrants. Oklahoma's law could cause a similar fate, forbidding businesses from hiring illegal immigrants and making businesses that do open to legal action from any fired citizen worker.
It's possible Oklahoma's law and others like it won't withstand a court challenge. Last month, a federal judge said a Pennsylvania town couldn't enforce its penalties for hiring or renting to illegal immigrants. We expect the Oklahoma law to be tested in court.
Oklahomans also should ask themselves whether we want to be a state where people who want to work and support their families and send children to decent schools live in fear. That's not the kind of friendliness and generosity for which Oklahomans are known.
Perhaps state Rep. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh, summed up the dilemma best in an interview with www.stateline.org: "Unfortunately, sound bites won over sound policy.â€
