Senate Sends Illegal Immigration Bill to House

The full Senate has given overwhelming approval to a bill to curb the increasing flow of illegal immigrants into Oklahoma. State Sen. Kenneth Corn, said because the federal government has failed to adequately address the problem, Oklahomans have turned to the State Legislature for help.

“What I’m proposing with Senate Bill 1769 is the creation of a special unit within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to look into the criminals that make illegal immigration possible,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “We’re talking about the people who provide illegal, fraudulent documents and other criminal activities that have enabled this tremendous increase in illegal immigration.”

Corn, who serves as chairman of the Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary, said he certainly understands why people would want to come to Oklahoma to improve their quality of life.

“We want people to come here—legally. We want them to live here legally, be responsible, involved members of our communities and become taxpayers,” said Corn. “What we’re seeking to address is the criminal activity that has allowed the proliferation of illegal immigration and the strain it puts on public funded programs.”

SB 1769 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.