Henry signs immigration bill

By Michael McNutt

Published: May 8, 2007

Gov. Brad Henry signed House Bill 1804 today, putting into law one of the country's toughest and most sweeping immigration reform bills.

The bill will set criminal penalties for knowingly and willingly harboring illegal immigrants. No public benefits will be allowed to people who are in the state illegally, except in cases of medical emergencies or emergency aid. Businesses will need to run all workers through a federal verification system or risk penalties and legal action.

The legislation also cuts off in-state tuition for illegal immigrant students unless they can verify they have applied for citizenship or plan to within one year.