Clergy Oppose Latest Immigration Bill
VOICE (Voices Organized in Civic Engagement) clergy and other Oklahoma religious leaders are speaking out in strong opposition to the most recent immigration bill filed in the Oklahoma legislature – HB 4156. The bill passed the House and is now in the Oklahoma State Senate.
The letter, created by VOICE clergy and signed by 22 pastors across Oklahoma, was delivered to Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat and Governor Kevin Still today.
“Oklahoma organizations are already planning to challenge the legislation in the courts, should it be passed,” stated Rev. Dr. Lori Walke, senior minister at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ and leader with VOICE. “Chances are good that it would be struck down. Is this what our state should be doing with hard-earned tax dollars?”
“The legislation being considered would unnecessarily single out and punish hardworking members of our community,” said Fr. Tim Luschen, pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and a leader with VOICE. “Most are contributing members of our neighborhoods, our churches, our schools, and our businesses. Some of them for decades.”
Rev. Walke shared concerns that people who simply “look like immigrants” could be negatively impacted. “In addition, indiscriminately targeting people without documents hurts tens of thousands of mixed status Oklahoma families, including the 60,000 children who live in families with at least one undocumented family member.”
“This bill is not what Oklahomans need. We urge legislators to find a better way to address crime, one that reflects the Oklahoma Standard we so often speak of,” said Fr. Luschen.
