Watch a slide show and read all the stories in a series on the immigration of thousands of people from Casa Blanca to Tulsa.

Read all of the Tulsa World’s coverage of House Bill 1804.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Hispanic community leaders and others opposed to House Bill 1804, an anti-illegal immigration law, gathered Monday at the Capitol to call for a delay in enforcment of the statute until the federal government comes up with a better solution.

The law, which is to take effect Thursday, has sparked intense fear in the Hispanic community that families will be separated, several speakers said.

"We're asking for a moratorium on all raids, arrests and deportations until such a time as our Congress assumes the responsibility of an immigration law that is just and comprehensive," said the Rev. Victor Orta, the president of the American Dream Coalition.

"We are for fair and comprehensive immigration reform, and our Congress has failed us," he said.

The group also announced plans for a protest meeting at noon Thursday on the Capitol's south steps.

"These individuals are not beggars asking for a handout," Orta said. "All they want is permission to work."

House Bill 1804 by Rep. Randy

Rep. Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City, told the group: "1804 is a very popular law. But so was Prohibition, and it didn't take us long to figure out that Prohibition caused more problems than it solved."

Terrill said the immigration issue is just as much a federal as a state problem.

States can't wait for Congress to act, because of the strain illegal immigration places on the country's social services, education and infrastructure, he said.

"The federal government should have the responsibility to protect our border, but it just isn't doing so," he said.

The bill does not target any one group, and it includes safeguards to prevent racial profiling, he said.

Angel Riggs (405) 528-2465
angel.riggs@tulsaworld.com

Nighttime vigil against law set

On the eve of House Bill 1804 taking effect, the United Front Task Force will have a candlelight vigil from 6:30 p.m. to midnight Wednesday at the plaza level of City Hall, near Fourth Street and Denver Avenue.

People who wish to participate are asked to wear white. Candles, signs and posters will be provided for the vigil and a silent demonstration afterward.

For more information, call 378-6101.