OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Republican-led states are rushing to give broader immigration enforcement powers to local police and impose criminal penalties for those living in the country illegally as the issue of migrants crossing the U.S. border remains central to the 2024 elections.
The Oklahoma Legislature this week fast-tracked a bill to the governor that creates the new crime of “impermissible occupation,” which imposes penalties of as much as two years in prison for being in the state illegally.
Oklahoma is among several GOP-led states jockeying to push deeper into immigration enforcement as both Republicans and Democrats seize on the issue. That was illustrated in February when President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump both visited the U.S.-Mexico border the same day and tussled from a distance over blame for the nation’s broken immigration system and how to fix it.
Why AP called the Pennsylvania 12th District primary for Summer Lee
Lawmakers vigilant of use of AI in fraud
Xi extends Spring Festival greetings to all Chinese
China continues to provide better travel services for foreign visitors: FM
Blinken begins key China visit as tensions rise over new US foreign aid bill
Xi extends Spring Festival greetings to all Chinese
Xi Stresses Contributing to Chinese Modernization with Solid Actions
Hong Kong holds digital economy summit, eyes sustainable future
Investigator says Trump, allies were part of Michigan election scheme despite not being charged
China takes steps to enhance telecom service, easing access for foreigners: spokesperson
New Jersey Democrat Rep. Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65 after heart attack
Councilors vow to explain Article 23 to HK residents