"I certainly think we need that direction from the court," said Henry, who signed the measure, House Bill 1804, into law last year.

The governor also said he plans to stay out of what is expected to be a major media campaign to persuade state officials at least to delay parts of the law.

In Washington to attend the an nual winter meeting of the National Governors Association, Henry repeatedly criticized the federal government during an interview for its lack of action on the immigration issue.

"It cries out for a comprehensive federal approach," he said, adding that it is critical to secure the nation's borders.

"For decades the federal government has failed to act, and because of that, states like Oklahoma and Arizona and several others have taken action," he said.

Oklahoma's immigration law was one of the first passed by a state and is viewed by some as the most stringent.

It already has drawn a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and local chambers in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, which are asking the court to bar the state from implementing provisions on verifying eligibility for workers and authorization status

Those provisions, the lawsuit claims, place an unreasonable and unfair burden on Oklahoma businesses.

"I have heard from a number of businesses from across the state, and they say it has been very difficult on them," Henry said.

The governor accepts those claims but also believes such arguments have two sides.

"It is difficult to argue against corporations following the law on one hand. On the other hand, we certainly want to be sensitive to the needs of the business community," Henry said.

"How you balance that and ultimately reconcile that, I don't really know."

He provided a similar response when asked whether Oklahoma is viewed as an law-and-order state for passing HB 1804 or a bit intolerant.

"I think there are people who view it both ways," Henry said.

He recalled an unusual statement he issued when he signed HB 1804 into law that called for monitoring the new law for unintended consequences.

Legislative leaders have indicated they aren't open to revisiting the law so soon.

"I don't see any real movement," Henry said.

Ultimately, he said, the courts will rule on constitutionality of HB 1804.

Asked whether he would prefer the expected media campaign be delayed as well, Henry said he could do little about such private efforts.

"But, every citizen has the right to voice their opinions," he said. "I don't begrudge them."

Jim Myers (202) 484-1424
jim.myers@tulsaworld.com