Oklahoma trying to set an example

Oklahoma Senate passes tough Immigration bill

The Senate will send to the Oklahoma House a bill that will set an example for other states if the governor signs it , and it stands up to legal challenges . This bill would bar illegal immigrants from jobs and public benefits , and set fines and punishments for companies that knowingly hire illegals to gain economic advantage .

The measure also contains provisions to ensure that only citizens and legal immigrants receive taxpayer-supported benefits and gives state and local law enforcement officials the power to enforce federal immigration law.

One opponent's comment was -

“This misguided approach panders to anti-immigration sentiment by appearing tough on undocumented immigrants,” said Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa. She said immigrants come to the U.S. for jobs and opportunity, not to access public benefits.