Tulsa Hispanic Chamber Protests Immigration Legislation

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- A group of conservative Oklahoma state lawmakers is considering a new immigration bill similar to the controversial new law in Arizona.

The new law has prompted protests across the country. It requires police to question people about their immigration status if there's reason to suspect they are illegal.

Several civil rights organizations say the law encourages racial profiling, and Tulsa's Hispanic Chamber of Commerce agrees. During a news conference Thursday afternoon, they and several local groups came out against similar legislation that's being proposed here.

They say it's the federal government's place to handle immigration, not the states.

"We're letting them know that we're ready for it, and we're gonna file suit and we're going to challenge any violation of the Constitution," said Marvin Lizama, Tulsa Coalition for the American Dream.

The Oklahoma legislation could be ready for this session. Representative Randy Terrill says it would likely also include asset seizures and tougher penalties for illegals caught with guns.