A District Court judge temporarily blocked enforcement of a controversial Oklahoma immigration law. The law, H.B. 4156, was scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2024. Following other states, the law addresses the legal status of individuals in the state who do not have a legal status in the United States.
The Oklahoma immigration law made it illegal to enter the state without a legal basis to be in the United States. First-time offenders found guilty of violating the law would be charged with a misdemeanor and subject to up to a $500 fine and/or 1 year in county jail. Following release, the individual is then required to leave the state within 72 hours. Repeat offenders, or those found guilty of the new law while committing another crime, would be charged with a felony and subject to up to a $1000 fine and 2 years in the Department of Corrections.
Since signed into law in April 2024, the bill faced numerous legal challenges. A lawsuit claiming the Oklahoma law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution was filed by a group of civil rights organizations. The U.S. Department of Justice claims the bill violates both the Supremacy Clause and the Foreign Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The immigration law is temporarily unenforceable due to Judge Jones’ ruling. The State of Oklahoma is expected to appeal the decision.
If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, whether family-based or employment-based, contact us. Our team of experienced attorneys works directly with our clients to ensure they get the right advice for their specific situations.
