NGOs seek to overturn Oklahoma’s anti-immigrant law
NGOs seek to overturn Oklahoma’s anti-immigrant law
On July 1, 2024, Oklahoma implemented HB4156, introducing the crime of unlawful occupation, allowing the detention of undocumented individuals under minimal suspicion. This law has raised concerns among civil rights advocates due to its similarity to Texas’s SB4, which was suspended by the Supreme Court for overstepping federal immigration policy.
As an immigration attorney, I, along with other civil rights organizations, have filed lawsuits to freeze the law, arguing it violates fundamental rights and promotes discrimination. HB4156 allows arbitrary detentions based on pretexts like car plate conditions or accents, creating a hostile environment for immigrants.
HB4156 could lead to an exodus of the immigrant community in Oklahoma, similar to what happened in Texas with SB4. The proliferation of anti-immigrant laws in Republican states like Georgia and Florida challenges bilateral immigration agreements. It is crucial to remember that immigration status regulation should be under federal jurisdiction, not individual states.
Experts suggest Mexico should strengthen its multilevel diplomacy to protect immigrants. Jorge Alberto Schiavon Uriegas, from Universidad Iberoamericana, highlights the importance of local diplomacy and paradiplomacy in protecting the rights of Mexicans in the U.S. Strengthening relationships with subnational governments and improving communication with the Mexican diaspora are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of these laws.
In summary, HB4156 represents a significant challenge to protecting immigrant rights in the United States. The legal battle to overturn it is essential to prevent similar policies in other states, ensuring a fairer and more cohesive immigration system.
