The Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing Oklahoma over a new state immigration law that imposes fines and jail time on migrants without legal authorization. Similar laws are being proposed in Texas and Iowa. These lawsuits are ongoing, with the laws on hold until resolved. Oklahoma’s law is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

The DOJ argues that the Oklahoma law violates the Constitution, which grants immigration and border control authority to the federal government. The DOJ also claims the law is illegal because it attempts to regulate international movement of individuals. Oklahoma House Bill 4156 allows law enforcement to arrest and jail individuals in the state without legal status. The law states it aims to protect Oklahoma citizens, claiming that undocumented immigrants pose potential harm to legal residents.

Under the proposed law, a first offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in county jail and a $500 fine. A second offense is a felony, with up to two years in county jail and a $1,000 fine. After release from jail, the individual has three days to leave Oklahoma.

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