This is just one example of what can be done at the state level to stop illegal immigration. Oklahoma has just enacted sweeping immigration reform that will deny jobs and public benefits to illegal aliens. The legislation passed both the Senate and the House with overwhelming bi-partisan majorities. Sponsors credit the public outcry expressed during last fall’s elections for state senate and congressional seats.

From an article in the Bartlesville, Oklahoma Examiner-Enterprise:

Governor signs sweeping immigration reform bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Brad Henry signed a sweeping immigration reform bill Tuesday, describing it as a stopgap measure to deal with an illegal immigration problem that is actually the responsibility of the federal government.

The legislation, described as the nation’s most meaningful attempt to deny jobs and public benefits to illegal immigrants, passed the House and Senate by overwhelming margins and was one of the key issues in last fall’s round of state legislative and congressional elections.

“Illegal immigration is a very serious national security issue that must be addressed at the federal level,” Henry said. “States can take some actions on their own, but until the U.S. Congress enacts a comprehensive, national immigration policy, citizens will see little progress on this issue.”

State lawmakers praised Henry’s action. Supporters had urged Henry to sign the measure into law since it received final passage in a bipartisan 84-14 vote by the state House last week. The bill was approved 41-6 by the Senate last month.

“This important new immigration reform ensures we’re upholding the rule of law in Oklahoma. Our citizens deserve nothing less,” said House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah.

The measure’s author, Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, credited public outcry at the federal government’s inability to address illegal immigration for his measure’s success….More than 100,000 illegal immigrants are estimated to live in Oklahoma. The Federation of American Immigration Reform has said they cost state taxpayers up to $200 million a year in public benefits, law enforcement costs and other resources.

“There are many Oklahomans who work hard and play by the rules every day, but they still struggle to make ends meet. Those are the people we should be looking out for,” Cargill said….