Arguments heat up over new immigration law

"I think the man has some racist ideas here,” Coates said of Terrill.

Contacted later, Terrill denied he is a racist, calling comments by Coates, who lists his occupation as a construction consultant, outrageous.

"They're insulting and somewhat laughable coming from a senator who derives most of his income from the construction and building trade,” Terrill said.

"There is no job that an American citizen and in particular an Oklahoman is not willing to work at the right wage and benefit level,” he said. "The prevalence of all this cheap illegal alien labor has had a depressing effect on wages.”

Terrill said it will be difficult to repeal sections of HB 1804. It passed 88 to 9 with four absent in the House and 41 to 6 with one absent in the Senate.

Jett, R-Tecumseh, said he would file legislation that would set up a pilot program for those who wish to continue working in Oklahoma. Workers would be able to purchase a tax number identification card that would be an affidavit documentation of good-faith intent and effort to comply with Oklahoma state law. Money from the workers would be used by the state to pay for any public services used by illegal immigrants.

Jett, who was absent when HB 1804 was voted on in the House, said the measure passed out of frustration by the lack of activity by Congress to pass an immigration law.

"We're beginning to realize that there are some unintended consequences and it's not in our best interest nor is it our desire to injure families in Oklahoma or to disrupt our economy,” Jett said.