Speaker McCall, Pro Tem Treat announce legislation targeting illegal immigration crisis

Speaker McCall, Pro Temp Treat Announce Immigration Legislation Details

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 11th) – Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today announced the substance of what will be included in jointly agreed to legislation aimed at addressing the illegal immigration crisis here in Oklahoma. The legislation, which will be filed next week, creates the crime of impermissible occupation. Details include:

• A person commits an impermissible occupation if the person willfully and without permission enters and remains in the State of Oklahoma without having first obtained legal authorization to enter the United States.
• Penalties for violating the new law will be:
• First offense – Misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than $500, or both, required to leave the state within 72 hours from the date and time specified on the written order and prohibited from reentering the state at any time thereafter.
• Second or subsequent offense – Felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Dept. of Corrections for a term of not more than two years, or by a fine of not more than $1,000, or both, required to leave the state within 72 hours from the date and time specified on the written order and prohibited from reentering the state at any time thereafter.

Additionally, the legislation includes a preemption clause prohibiting municipalities from becoming 'sanctuary cities.'

"This is common sense legislation that supports Oklahoma's right to legally defend our state's borders from those in our country illegally," said McCall. "I will not allow Oklahoma to become another border state, or be inundated with the issues that are being seen in states like New York and California. Oklahoma citizens should not be footing the bill for those illegally in our country, and this legislation will make Oklahoma the least attractive state in the nation for illegal immigrants to come to. It is my hope that this common sense protection for our state's border will pass the House and Senate quickly so we can get it signed by the Governor."

“Legal immigration provides endless opportunities for individuals to come to our country and prosper,” said Treat. “There is a clear pathway to citizenship, and we should know who we are allowing to come here legally. With the influx of illegal immigration, we are seeing a scourge of violent gang members coming in who are bringing deadly drugs like fentanyl across the border and into Oklahoma. After extensive discussions with law enforcement officials, our congressional delegation and many others, this legislation is absolutely necessary to keep Oklahomans safe, while upholding the rule of law in our country.”