New Immigration Law

[Sillystarryeyes]

Ok, so here's the deal. I want to see what everyone else has to say on this. Oklahoma just passed a new integration law. The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007 [HB 1804 text, DOC] denies illegal immigrants state identification, and requires all state and local agencies to verify citizenship status of applicants before authorizing benefits. The law also require public employers to enter job applicants into an electronic immigration database to verify legal status.

Honestly, i think it's a good idea. I realize that there are a lot of people that come to america for a better life, but there are a great deal of people coming over that aren't willing to do what they need to to become legal. And there are a great deal around the Oklahoma city area that aren't even willing to take the time to learn how to speak english, let alone become legal immigrants. I mean, this new law is cutting off the aid from the government, and not allowing them to work. That means a few things to me. That means that there will be more jobs available to the legal residents of the state. That means there will be more government aid for those that really need it, and that means that those illegal residents will have to actually step up and take care of business, instead of hiding out.

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?

[Cephus]

I support it 100%. While it's fine that these people want a better life, that doesn't permit them to violate our laws in order to get it. There is a right way and a wrong way to go about something and just because you don't want to go to the trouble of doing it the right way doesn't excuse you to do it the wrong way, period.

If you want to be a legal citizen of the United States, fill out the forms, go through the process and actually become one. Otherwise, stay home and fix your own shithole country.

[Chancellor]

Quote by: Sillystarryeyes Ok, so here's the deal. I want to see what everyone else has to say on this. Oklahoma just passed a new integration law. The Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act of 2007 [HB 1804 text, DOC] denies illegal immigrants state identification, and requires all state and local agencies to verify citizenship status of applicants before authorizing benefits. The law also require public employers to enter job applicants into an electronic immigration database to verify legal status. Honestly, i think it's a good idea. I realize that there are a lot of people that come to america for a better life, but there are a great deal of people coming over that aren't willing to do what they need to to become legal. And there are a great deal around the Oklahoma city area that aren't even willing to take the time to learn how to speak english, let alone become legal immigrants. I mean, this new law is cutting off the aid from the government, and not allowing them to work. That means a few things to me. That means that there will be more jobs available to the legal residents of the state. That means there will be more government aid for those that really need it, and that means that those illegal residents will have to actually step up and take care of business, instead of hiding out. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?

While I think that verifying citizenship status (and requiring proof of citizenship as a prerequisite to receiving state benefits) is appropriate, the State of Oklahoma may be encroaching on federal responsibility. Should this go to the federal courts, expect it to be shot down.

[Cephus]

Quote by: Chancellor While I think that verifying citizenship status (and requiring proof of citizenship as a prerequisite to receiving state benefits) is appropriate, the State of Oklahoma may be encroaching on federal responsibility. Should this go to the federal courts, expect it to be shot down.

Come on, the feds refuse to do their job and uphold existing law, someone needs to do it and the case needs to be made that the feds are abrogating their responsibilities. Hopefully when it gets to the federal courts, you'll have them declare that either the feds do their job or whatever state wants to is more than welcome to.

[Chancellor]

Quote by: Cephus Come on, the feds refuse to do their job and uphold existing law, someone needs to do it and the case needs to be made that the feds are abrogating their responsibilities. Hopefully when it gets to the federal courts, you'll have them declare that either the feds do their job or whatever state wants to is more than welcome to.

I agree that the feds aren't doing their job. However, considering that the federal government keeps usurping more and more power for itself, I'm just suggesting that the federal courts are likely to shoot Oklahoma down on this one.

[Dieval]

It's a great plan! The only change I'd like to see is rather than just denying things to illegals, with no apparent reprocussions, is to have the immigration department contacted and these people reported and dealt with in accordance with our laws.

[Elminister]

A splendid idea. I will also voice my dislike of the Feds lack of effort in this area. I say if the ball isn't picked up in the Federal Court<metaphor> it is up to the States to look out for their citizens. I would vote for Jim Jones Jonestown - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia if he were to support this.<Lousy Joke>

[Sillystarryeyes]

I'm not so sure that the federal government would really say too much. I'm not a big fan of politics, so if i say anything that offends anybody apologize. If the federal government were doing it's job when it came to illegal immigrants the state lawmakers wouldn't have had to go to such extremes. I agree with a lot of people when they say they support this law. It's helping to keep our state free of people stealing jobs and aid that are not rightfully theirs. The federal government needs to step up and accept the fact that they are falling short. They need to crack down on the immigrants and either force them to become legal, or send their butts home. At least that's what i think.

[xyzer]

Chancellor may be right ..immigration law is a Federal province. However "residency and workplace requirements fit more under the state and local authorities. I would opine it's OK for OKlahoma to require proof of citizenship in order to obtain State benefits and be elibible for state citizenship?

[Sillystarryeyes]

Quote by: xyzer Chancellor may be right ..immigration law is a Federal province. However "residency and workplace requirements fit more under the state and local authorities. I would opine it's OK for OKlahoma to require proof of citizenship in order to obtain State benefits and be elibible for state citizenship?

wow, that's great. OK for OK. LOL. <insert sarcasm here>

I live in oklahoma, as i have for the past three years, and i had to FIGHT to get state benefits. The state only had so much to give out, and you basically have to be Barely surviving to receive benifits. It's kinda stupid if you ask me. I mean, there are so many people who don't even attempt to get a job, or find a place to live, because they know if they don't they can get help from the government, and as far as i'm concerned that's bull. Those of us fighting for a living need help too. This new law has started cracking down on those people who wouldn't get a job because they weren't legal and allowing those of us who do work to finally get the much needed help we need. I think that if the Federal government would finally start cracking down on that, the poverty level in america would slowly start to decrease as more and more people were able to get the jobs they needed, and the help they needed. I truely believe that.