Fighting Oklahoma's Immigration Law

Saturday, August 25th 2007, 4:51 pm

By: News On 6

People who want to stop Oklahomaâ€™s new immigration law from taking effect gathered Saturday in south Tulsa for a community forum. News On 6 reporter Chris Wright reports the new state law has a number of Tulsa area Hispanic families afraid for their families and their future in eastern Oklahoma.

The auditorium at Union High School at 71st and Mingo was nearly full Saturday afternoon. Members of the American Dream Coalition, who sponsored the forum, say that is surprising because they estimate that thousands of Hispanics have already moved out of the Tulsa area.

"Over 20,000, at least, have already left, and that's devastating to families. economies, businesses and churches," says Rev. Victor Orta with the American Dream Coalition.

Leaders stressed that people should not be afraid of State House Bill 1804, which goes into effect November 1, and targets illegal alien workers. They also alleged that Tulsa Police are already taking advantage of the legislation, and targeting Hispanic drivers during traffic stops.

"It's gone beyond just a regular routine. To be truthful, there's been a lot of racial profiling," Rev. Victor Orta said.

Carol Helm of IRON, Immigration Reform for Oklahoma Now, says that is simply not true. She believes police, and state legislators, are simply doing their jobs.

"I think the frustration of the dream coalition and other organizations opposed to 1804 is that they refuse to uphold the rule of law. Their aim is to devise additional methods to break the laws," says Carol Helm.

American Dream Coalition members admit they are for more than frustrated with House Bill 1804, they are angry. In an attempt to prevent the bill from going into effect, the group, along with the help of Coalition of Latin Clergy, plans to file a lawsuit soon. They believe they can stop what they saw is an unfair, and unconstitutional, piece of legislation.

"It's a shame. It should be a shame to all of them. Using rhetoric, inflammatory rhetoric, and cruel language," says Rev. Miguel Rivera with the Coalition of Latin Clergy.

The American Dream Coalition's attorney says the basis for the upcoming lawsuit is simple; immigration law is the responsibility of the federal government, not state lawmakers.

Coalition officials say they are confident the courts will agree with them, before House Bill 1804 goes into effect November 1.

Watch the video: Stopping Oklahoma's New Immigration Law