Undocumented Immigrants And Health Services

Oklahoma's new immigration law will prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving public benefits and jobs. House Bill 1804 goes into effect on November 1st. News On 6 anchor Omar Villafranca reports that could affect county health departments.

The Tulsa County Health department frequently provides free health screenings and gives out free flu shots. The department isn't required and doesn't ask for an I-D when helping the public. A department spokesperson says that won't change.

Supporters say the law keeps illegal immigrants from receiving federal benefits while leaving others up for interpretation.

"These locally funded benefits, I think there is a good argument they would be exempted under the bill, especially if United States citizens were being protected by the benefits," says Tulsa Senator James Williamson.

The Tulsa County Health Department says their job is to treat the public whether they're here legally or illegally. The department says even if a person is in the state illegally, if they're carrying a communicable disease, they want to treat them to keep the disease from spreading.

Originally aired 10/23/2007 9:30 AM - Updated 10/23/2007 11:14 PM