Coalition calls for tough immigration laws

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ About 200 supporters of tougher immigration laws are rallying at the state Capitol this afternoon. <br/><br/>The rally's being staged one day after thousands of Latinos gathered

Sunday, April 2nd 2006, 3:59 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ About 200 supporters of tougher immigration laws are rallying at the state Capitol this afternoon.

The rally's being staged one day after thousands of Latinos gathered outside the Capitol. They protested legislation that would require public employees to report suspected illegal aliens.

A coalition of conservative groups supports a bill designed to stop illegal immigrants from receiving tax-supported services like Medicaid and food stamps.

Oklahoma clerics have denounced the bill. They say it may stop legal immigrants and their families from seeking government services they're entitled to.

It passed the House but was pulled from a Senate committee. Supporters have vowed to keep the measure alive by attaching it to a Senate-passed immigration measure.