Oklahoma Gov. Releases Statement Ahead Of Obama's Amnesty Speech

Attorneys and immigration groups in Texas are setting up telethons and hotlines to serve immigrants who will look to qualify under a White House plan to protect them from deportation.

Several groups across the state have also organized large gatherings to watch President Barack Obama's speech on Thursday night. He is expected to announce details of a plan that would grant work permits to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States and to protect them from deportation.

Organizers in Texas are opening hotlines and teaming with local television stations to host telethons where people can call and get information from attorneys on what to expect.

Meanwhile, GOP leaders are opposing the action, including Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who has threatened litigation.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin on Thursday released the following statement regarding President Obama's plan to grant amnesty to up to five million immigrants in the United States:

“The United States is a nation of immigrants, and I am proud that people from all across the world want to come here to enjoy our freedoms and our prosperity. We are also a nation of laws. Like all nations, the U.S. has borders. Those laws and those borders must be respected, for reasons ranging from national security to economics to health.

President Obama's decision to circumvent a newly elected Congress and grant amnesty to 5 million illegal immigrants undermines the rule of law. It rewards people who have illegally crossed our borders and broken our laws. His decision is an insult to the millions of people around the world trying to come to the U.S. through legal means. It's also an affront to the American people, who elected a Congress to work with the president on matters of national importance, not to be circumvented through a legally questionable power-grab.

Finally, I have grave concerns about the president's amnesty plan as it relates to the fiscal stability of both our federal and state governments. The president has now unilaterally granted legal status to millions of individuals who may require state-funded medical and educational services as well as other benefits enjoyed by American citizens. All of this comes with a price tag, which the president has not addressed. This decision can be added to long list of policies supported by President Obama that are driving this nation further into debt.”

NewsOn6.com will stream President Obama's address tonight at 7 p.m. on Thursday.