CV NEWS FEED // Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City released a statement on April 23 criticizing an anti-illegal immigration bill that he says unnecessarily criminalizes honest people.
“According to the bill’s authors, its intent is to target criminal actions committed by some undocumented immigrants in the state, most especially related to illegal marijuana grow operations,” Archbishop Coakley stated. “However, the new law inadvertently will target men and women who are living productive lives with their families, and subject them to jail time, large fines and deportation within 72 hours, separating them from their children.”
The Republican-sponsored legislation passed in both the state House and Senate earlier this week and is currently awaiting Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature.
According to the bill, any illegal immigrant discovered in Oklahoma will be sentenced to up to one year in prison, or fined up to $500, or both. Upon release, the immigrant will be required to leave the state within 72 hours. A second offense would double both the prison time and the fine.
Archbishop Coakley criticized the bill for targeting illegal immigrants and families instead of addressing existing criminal issues. He added that the legislation fails to recognize the humanity of illegal immigrants.
“Let’s be clear, illegal immigration is wrong, and measures should be considered to protect Oklahoma’s borders, most especially against the influx of human and drug trafficking. One of the basic principles of Catholic teaching on immigration is precisely that ‘every country has a right to protect its borders,’” he said, continuing:
But, we also must recognize that the vast majority of undocumented immigrants in Oklahoma are upstanding members of our communities and churches, not violent criminals … For these families, the proposed bill will only cause fear and trauma. There is a better way.
Archbishop Coakley called for lawmakers to pass legislation specifically targeted at violent crime and illegal marijuana grow operations instead of focusing on “hard-working families who contribute in many positive ways to our communities.” He also called for Gov. Stitt to veto the legislation.
“House Bill 4156 is flawed legislation that harms communities, separates families and weakens our economy,” Archbishop Coakley added. “It fails to address the real criminal issues we face in Oklahoma—seeking a misguided sense of justice at the expense of mercy.”
