Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus Continues Work on State’s Immigration Policy

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, and Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, announced their continued commitment to working with all lawmakers to strengthen policy with compassion for Oklahoma’s immigrant community. Caucus members expressed deep concern that some legislation under consideration at the State Capitol would over-politicize Oklahoma families. However, they say that ongoing conversations are proving fruitful and they are determined to continue those efforts.

“Even with the strong division over the issue of immigration, our caucus has been working to hold relationships with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to create a space where real work can happen for our community,” said Alonso-Sandoval. “Bills like the ones we saw pass today, while intended to prevent misuse of funds, harm families by pushing them to not apply to needed benefits for their kids due to fear of being targeted. This is an issue that demands seriousness and compassion. Undocumented Oklahomans are already unable to receive SNAP and Medicaid benefits, but they contribute millions in tax dollars to the State of Oklahoma every year to fund the very benefits they cannot receive.”

The Caucus expressed gratitude for the members on both sides of the aisle who put pragmatic leadership above polarization and valued the work and contributions of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus.

“Ultimately our House members were not able to support the two bills heard today, but we still remain grateful for the members of the House who heard our voice, respected our community, and worked with us to attenuate the harmful effects of these bills,” said Menz. “While there is some legislation that we have had productive conversations around, there is still some that we are keeping track of and working on. This is an issue that demands seriousness and good faith. Using it as a cheap political wedge in state-level debates may generate headlines, but it does not produce durable policy. Our constituents deserve better than performative posturing and we will continue to urge our colleagues to reject politicization of our families and neighbors.”

Members say reassuring their community is a top priority.

“At the end of the day, it is our responsibility as the Latino voice at the State Capitol to communicate to our colleagues the values and goals of our community,” said Brooks. “It is also our responsibility to be accountable to our community and make sure they know there are people elected to public office in Oklahoma who respect them and are willing to come to the table in good faith to work together toward a safer and better Oklahoma for all.”