How HB 1804 came to pass in Oklahoma

When Gov. Brad Henry signed it three years ago on May 9, 2007, HB 1804 was considered the most far-reaching immigration law in the United States. That title was reassigned only this year when Arizona passed its own immigration law.

Critics contend HB 1804 is all talk and hate: a law with 24 provisions that's neither slowed nor curbed undocumented workers from coming to the state. Others applaud state legislators who tried what federal lawmakers have balked at.

"Oklahoma is the gold standard for us,” said Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, hours before Arizona's law was passed.

Stein gives the credit to Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore.

"HB 1804 is rhetoric,” said John Collison, state director for Sen. Jim Inhofe. "If Oklahoma passes these laws, then Oklahoma has to live with them.”

"Sen. Inhofe, as do I, wants comprehensive reform,” Collison said.

Immigration Reform for Oklahoma Now founder Carol Helm says the law has been successful at forcing many illegal immigrants to flee. She admits it's not perfect, however.

She says enforcement of the law isn't as strong as it should be and blames Attorney General Drew Edmondson for "failing to do his job” to defend it.