Tulsa World: Foes of law plan to fight

MAKE US YOUR HOMEPAGE | Saturday, November 21, 2009 | WIRELESS

Home > News > Article

Newspaper View Print this story

Comment

RSS

Bookmark

Foes of law plan to fight

By LEIGH BELL World Staff Writer
Published: 7/29/2007 1:13 AM
Last Modified: 7/29/2007 1:13 AM

Opponents of the state's anti-illegal immigration law plan to battle in court and increase public awareness.

The fight against Oklahoma's sweeping anti-illegal immigration law will be in full force this week.

The United Front Task Force formed in response to House Bill 1804 will launch a public-awareness campaign, including a billboard going up Wednesday beside a busy portion of Interstate 44.

Meanwhile, an effort to file a lawsuit before the law takes effect on Nov. 1 gained new hope and constitutional ammunition.

A legal fund was announced last week to challenge HB 1804's constitutionality, and the task force has a meeting planned with national advocates who may join the lawsuit.

Opponents are also encouraged that a federal judge in Pennsylvania has struck down a stringent anti-illegal immigration law in a small town there.

Still, those who crafted Oklahoma's law remain confident it will stand up in court.

HB 1804 aims to keep illegal immigrants from getting jobs and public benefits.

It also contains a requirement that local law enforcement carry out federal immigration law and includes punishment for those who knowingly harbor or transport undocumented aliens.

"I'm confident the law will stand up (in court)," said Mike Hethmon, general counsel for the Immigration Reform Law Institute.

Hethmon worked with Oklahoma lawmakers to craft HB 1804.

The task force is hoping to maintain its momentum with a billboard near the 21st Street exit on I-44.

The billboard asks: "Is it OK . . . for Oklahoma to have a law that promotes hate among people?"

It's part of a bigger campaign to make people aware of the law, what it means and how it has already threatened human rights, said Margarita Vega-Trevino, a member of the task force.

"People need to be informed when they vote on issues such as HB 1804 so that people's human rights are not compromised again," she said.

The task force claims HB 1804 perpetuates prejudice against all Hispanics, including those who are U.S. citizens and legal residents simply because Hispanics make up the majority of undocumented people in America.

HB 1804 targets illegal immigrants, not Hispanics or any race, said its co-author, state Sen. James Williamson, R-Tulsa.

"Unfortunately, there are those who may feel that way against Hispanics, but I am not one of them," he said. "The law is nationality neutral."

But possibly unconstitutional, according to Russell Abbott, a Tulsa attorney who is leading the legal challenge against HB 1804.

"It will be on constitutional grounds that even illegal immigrants in this country have rights under the U.S. Constitution," he said.

Abbott also said a case will be made that HB 1804 pre-empts federal immigration law already in place, which is unconstitutional.

"States are not free to simply try to patch leaks (in federal law), add to it or improve upon it with their own schemes," he said. "Federal laws are supreme."

That was key in the Pennsylvania case.

U.S. District Judge James Munley ruled Thursday that a law in Hazleton, Penn., was pre-empted by federal law and would breach due-process rights.

"Hazleton, in its zeal to control the presence of a group deemed undesirable, violated the rights of such people, as well as others within the community," Munley said in a 206-page opinion.

"Since the United States Constitution protects even the disfavored, the ordinances cannot be enforced."

The strong-worded ruling gave legs to a potential court battle against Oklahoma's anti-illegal immigration law.

"I am encouraged by it," Abbott said.

The task force formed to fight HB 1804 will meet next week with attorneys from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which may join a lawsuit, said legislative staff attorney Luis Figueroa.

"I don't think we're ready to come out with anything yet," he said by phone from his office in San Antonio.

Figueroa said the law overturned in Pennsylvania differs from Oklahoma's.

The lawsuit in Pennsylvania was prosecuted in part by the state's American Civil Liberties Union. The task force in Oklahoma hopes for similar support from its local ACLU but hasn't been promised it.

"I can't comment on what we're going to do yet," said Chuck Thornton, ACLU of Oklahoma legal director.

The ACLU does believe immigration is a federal responsibility, not an Oklahoma one, he said.

Leigh Bell 581-8465
leigh.bell@tulsaworld.com

Challenging HB 1804

A legal defense fund has been established to challenge the constitutionality of Oklahoma House Bill 1804, which addresses illegal immigration.

To contribute, send donations to Say No to 1804 Legal Defense Fund; P.O. Box 690004; Tulsa, OK 74169-0004

To learn more about the United Front Task Force formed in response to House Bill 1804, go to www.tulsaworld.com/1804group.

The task force also established a phone line and e-mail for anyone who would like to report racism or donate to the cause.

The number is (918) 378-6101. The e-mail address is no1804@hb1804.org.

By LEIGH BELL World Staff Writer

Newspaper View Print this story

Comment

RSS

Bookmark

Reader Comments

Show: Most Recent Comment First

Add your comment

46 comments have been made on this story so far. Tell us what you think below!

Reporting Comments

If you see a comment that violates our terms and conditions, please help us by clicking the "Report this Comment" link next to a comment. That will alert the web staff to review the comment. Thank you. -- Web Editor Jason Collington

	Report Comment Ron T. Howell, (7/29/2007 5:04:48 AM) People do not understand that if you are here in the US illegal you need to be deported and if you employ illigal alliens you need to be jailed or fined. Its simple dont break the law. Our country is out of control we can afford to keep subsidising illegals. I hope 1804 is challenged and the courts back it up that way we can set example for other states to follow and we can take back our own country and deport people who are in this county illegal.
	Report Comment ann, tulsa (7/29/2007 8:01:56 AM) That argument would sound so much better if you used proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Oddly enough, when I think of 'taking back our own country' it has nothing to do with undocumented aliens and everthing to do with Republicans....
	Report Comment c,g,, Tulsa (7/29/2007 8:32:06 AM) Is it OK to promote lies on billboards?
	Report Comment NA, (7/29/2007 8:37:50 AM) I'm Native American & a registered democrat. When the federal government does not protect us from INVASION then the U.S. Constitution directs the States to. It's as simple as this...secure the borders, even though a republican Sen. Inhofe voted for CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) that eliminates the border.
	Report Comment Linda Hodges, Broken Arrow (7/29/2007 11:53:16 AM) I am really weary of the race card being played every time someone objects to the illegal immigrant invasion. Race has absolutely NOTHING to do with what is legal and what is ILLEGAL! There are thousands of potential LEGAL immigrants waiting to come to the U.S., who have been waiting for years, because they do not want to jeopardize their chances by breaking the law and 'sneaking' in. Not all of them are from Mexico; they are as diverse a group as you will ever find, anywhere. What is taking so long to allow these people to immigrate? Having to deal with all the people who are here who DON'T want to do it the right way! Rewarding law-breakers at the expense of law-abiders is NOT an American value. What does race have to do with criminal actions, anyway? I think the Liberal press is trying to shame the public into thinking if you are not FOR the illegal immigrant you are AGAINST human values. I do not feel ashamed that I support an America where committing a crime does not give you a "Pathway to Citizenship".
	Report Comment Ron T. Howell, (7/29/2007 12:22:23 PM) Nobody can argue with the above statement. Kudo's to Linda Hodges.
	Report Comment james, tulsa (7/29/2007 12:37:13 PM) "Ilegals should be rounded up like canines and caged" - Patrick Holland – National White Alliance Group so you expect us to believe that this guy and his group is not playing the race card?? hello "National White Alliance Group"
	Report Comment E T, tulsa (7/29/2007 12:52:12 PM) Looks like we have more groups that support criminals. how can you file a lawsuit against laws that we made to supoort the federal laws that we already have that are not being enforced? I have friends that came here legally, spent their money, and did things the right way that say if we just give the illegals amnesty, and don't send them back, then they wasted their time and money.
	Report Comment BoomerSooner, Tulsa (7/29/2007 1:02:58 PM) I think we should focus our attention on challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma's anti-shoplifting laws. They are unfair to those who may need to take things they didn't pay for...but that doesn't make it illegal!!! (Makes about as much since, eh?)
	Report Comment dawn, okc (7/29/2007 1:16:33 PM) the only this this law will achieve is hatred among people. lawlessness will increase dramatically as minorities will not coperate with police for fear of scrutiny.
	Report Comment Ron B, Broken Arrow (7/29/2007 1:16:49 PM) I'm going to break into your home, but after that I will not be a problem to you. Anyone hear of the "Make My Day Law"? It gives you the legal right to shoot anyone who enters your home illegally. No, I'm NOT advocating going around and shooting illegals. The point is that those who disregard one law are more likely to disregard other laws... Drunk driving, drug running, indecent exposure, theft, murder, etc.
	Report Comment Mike, Tulsa (7/29/2007 3:02:48 PM) I searched about that united pro illegal front. margarita vega has a spansih newspaper and there's a "writer", a mexican called juan miret (maybe a fake name). I bet they wouldn't like a illegal invasion in Mexico. Go back to Mexico idiots. America is for AMERICANS!!!!!!!!!!!
	Report Comment Joanna, Tulsa (7/29/2007 5:33:29 PM) A few questions, Mike. (maybe a fake name as well?) Why do you put writer in quotations, is Mr. Miret not a legitimate writer because he writes for a spanish newspaper? Are real writers only the ones that write in english to you? Second, don't be ignorant. Just because he has a hispanic sounding name doesn't mean he is Mexican. And what if he is? These are good people, not "idiots" as you call them. America is for everyone, immigrants don't come here to start an invasion, they come in search of a better life.
	Report Comment Emily, Tulsa (7/29/2007 6:06:38 PM) It's disgusting the way people speak about Mexicans as if they were some diseased rats. Hello! They are people and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Do you all not realize how racist you sound? It is pathetic. I don't know how you all sleep at night with all of that hatred bubbling up inside of you. Everyone acts like this bill is the long awaited answer to Oklahoma's "problem" with Mexicans. This bill goes directly against Mexican people, although it claims to be against any race who have entered illegally into this country. What are you all saying? Go back to Mexico. It's like a broken record. But what about other races? How many people may be here illegally from other countries that don't even get a second look because they don't look Mexican? Yuc it up now, people. Just wait until things get rolling and you see the repercussions of this bill, and not just for the Hispanic community.
	Report Comment JL, (7/29/2007 7:21:12 PM) To Mike: Why so sour against mexicans? Did one of them took your girlfriend away from you? It sure sounds like it.. There is a wide number of hispanics in america yes..hispanics with a spanish name but Im sure theres plenty that are true Americans justb like you claim to be.
	Report Comment Mike, Tulsa (7/29/2007 8:02:43 PM) Illegals are crap. All of them. United Illegal Front GO HOME!!!!!!!!!! AMERICA IS OURS NOT YOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
	Report Comment salvador, tulsa (7/29/2007 10:01:25 PM) i just wonder if mike is a real american indian becose they are the real american before the white people invaden this is indian country not white and i wonder how many people from other countrys illigaly the police has stoped and deported not from this continent they get here legaly and over stay but they dont ask where then from becose dont look mexican mike can you find this information thank's
	Report Comment AB, Tulsa (7/29/2007 10:25:43 PM) I'm an american and I say that I don't know what the fuss is over. This country is so fast becoming such B.S. Illegals are not just the problem. Americans are the problem too. Most people here are such idiots that it's no wonder the rest of the world laughs at us. America is falling fast in the world and we have so many other problems to solve. So, lets look at the real issues. China is talking over the world at a fast pace and americans are just too stupid to see it. The great america is fading fast. The real opportunities are oversea's. But, thank the high on the hog "real americans" that sold this country out along time ago and tell me if they can really even call themselves americans. If you ask me we will all just screw eachother into becoming a second rate nation that all the signs are pointing to us becoming.
	Report Comment Jl, (7/29/2007 10:57:39 PM) AB: You are 100% right, we are focusing on what politicians want us to; Illegal immigration is a hot topic for politicians to gain power and they are forgetting the REAL problem America is at this moment, such as the irak problem is diminishing our economy at an increidible fast pace. Also that China and other nations whom are outsourcing our jobs there, but people like "Mike" cannot see further than where is nose is and thus forgetting what the real problem is
	Report Comment AB, Tulsa (7/29/2007 11:55:46 PM) You see this is what worries me, it's not hispanics in my neighborhood. I know this is a big issue and I see it from both sides. But, it can't be the only issue. Because, this is how I see it. What is everyone doing? How are they benefiting America? I ask that to both sides? Because, here is the deal. If America doesn't wake up and see the whole picture. We will all be the same. We will all be looking for low wage jobs, because thats all that will be left. Because the new economic powers of china and india not only have the people, but the money and the technolgy to dominate and more than compete with the U.S. China will replace the U.S. in Manufacturing in a few short years as in terms of value of goods manufactured. They have their sights set on replacing us at the top in every area that drives our economy. So, lets not get into petty B.S. and look at the real issues. Because America is failing. So, unless we can come up with some real answers. No one will have the good life for very long that everyone says they are looking for, Legal and Illegal. So, I don't want to hear "The mexicans are stealing away the country". Because of our stupidity, we are all freely giving it up to the rest of the world that lives thousands of miles away. Prove me wrong! So, lets all try to work towards common goals to try and save what we can of this great country. So, we can all try and have a good life. So, to all of us WAKE UP!
	Report Comment mj, Tulsa (7/30/2007 12:50:37 PM) MALDEF, LA RAZA, PRLDP,CATHOLIC CHARITIES, the ACLU & the likes of the George Soros "types" are obviously elitists with more money than sense. If they were the frugal types, they would be directing their cash in better ways. Why not focus those big bucks in transporting any Oklahoma-residing illegals who fear our upcoming law , to communities that want them there? New Haven, CT is now issuing I.D. cards to enable them to access city benefits and perks . It seems like all the buses who drop off loads of illegals @21st & Garnett could be hired to keep going north; especially with the price of gas now falling. The people of this state have spoken via their state legislatures and the Tulsa Whirled is livid about it. It becomes more and more evident as Nov. 1 nears. How many "crybaby" articles should we expect in the coming months? What will be especially interesting will be the stand that the "whirled" takes if the state is sued. Our Democratic Attorney Drew Edmondson will be forced to do his job and I wonder if the "whirled" will see fit to turn on its own?
	Report Comment ginny b., sapulpa (7/30/2007 2:20:20 PM) First of all, did everyone miss the point that the Oklahoma law change will be challenged against the Federal point of the immigration law, it has already been vacated in one state, and that has already set a precedent for other states to have to follow......so there is a lesson everyone can already learn from, if they have any sense about them. ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT IS ALLOWED BASIC CIVIL RIGHTS ACCORDING TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!, do you get the picture? Hate, racisim,and stupidity will always be a failing of the human race, too bad that God did not give us the same amount of sense that He did give to the dogs, we would be alot smarter. Also, standing in the Native American point of view, I believe that annilation of our people was the original intent, and, no, "real" Americans did not speak English as a language, we learned it.....we had to learn to share, so can everyone else, white, black, redneck, or whatrever, it is time we learned to do so...
	Report Comment Ace Tinker, Tulsa (7/30/2007 2:20:37 PM) The ACLU needs to pick its battles carefully. They are on the wrong side here. Abbott will fight on any side he's paid to. The Hazleton law bears little resemblance to our new state law. It did go too far, and was begging to be overturned. Our state law, on the other hand, simply reinforces existing federal law. Legal Mexican Americans do not need to fear Oklahoma's law. Evidently their attorney has chose to fight on the side of illegals, making their organization pro-illegal. Wonder if the majority of legal hispanic residents & citizens agree with this action? If so, they shouldn't wonder at the general public's reaction to this pro-crime stance.
	Report Comment G.Hill, tulsa (7/30/2007 2:23:52 PM) send the illegals home. require those on welfare to take the jobs. Obey the law; enforce the laws on our books already
	Report Comment pm, ttown (7/30/2007 2:29:29 PM) #14 Get off you soap box. Dont you get it? America doesnt want illegal aliens here. Sneaking and crawling people lawbreaking people is not want we want in america. #15 they only talk about them like that because we are tired of them cramming the rights they dont have down our throats, and trying to change our country and laws. If they were any good at this they might have a thriving country but they dont. #18 learn how to read and write in our language or you can go home too. I say gather them up and deport all the illegal aliens in this country and do it fast cause it sounds to me like the majority of people have had it with them taking our benefits, jobs, and pride. Breaking our laws and actually causing all types other problems in this country. This is what happens when people have had enough. Nothing good will come from this.

25 of 46 comments displayed. | View All

Add Your Comment
In order to post a comment on this article, you must sign in to Tulsaworld.com. If you do not have a site account, you can create an account for free.