The Justice Department is threatening to sue the state of Oklahoma over a controversial new immigration law, House Bill 4156, which creates the crime of ‘impermissible occupation’ in the state. Federal officials argue that the law is preempted by federal immigration regulations and violates the United States Constitution.
House Bill 4156 has sparked significant debate, with proponents asserting it is necessary to protect the state’s borders and residents, while critics claim it oversteps state authority and conflicts with federal law. The Justice Department maintains that immigration enforcement falls under federal jurisdiction and that the new law undermines established national policies.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond stands firm in defending the law, stating, “Oklahoma has not only the sovereign right, but also the solemn legal obligation, to protect its own borders and its own citizens.” Drummond vows to vigorously contest any legal challenges posed by the Justice Department.
House Speaker Charles McCall echoes this sentiment, blaming the Biden Administration for what he describes as a failure to effectively manage illegal immigration, which he claims necessitated the creation of House Bill 4156. “The Biden Administration’s continued failures to address the illegal immigration crisis in our country are what necessitated the passage of the bill in the first place,” McCall asserts.
The pending legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration policy. As the dispute unfolds, it highlights the broader national debate on immigration enforcement and the respective roles of state and federal governments in addressing this complex issue.
This lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how states can independently legislate immigration-related matters and may impact similar laws in other states. Both sides are preparing for what promises to be a contentious legal confrontation that will draw national attention.
