Court Decision Blocks Controversial Legislation
A federal judge has granted a temporary injunction to halt Oklahoma’s new anti-immigration law, which would have made it a crime to reside in the state without legal immigration status. The law, set to take effect on Monday, is now suspended pending further legal review.
Legal Challenge from the Justice Department
U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones issued the preliminary injunction on Friday in response to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice. The lawsuit argues that the Oklahoma statute violates the U.S. Constitution and seeks to have the law declared invalid. Similar measures in Texas and Iowa are also under legal scrutiny.
Judge’s Ruling
In his order, Judge Jones acknowledged the state’s concerns over illegal immigration but emphasized that states cannot implement policies that conflict with federal law. “The State may not pursue policies that undermine federal law,” the judge stated.
State Response
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed disappointment with the ruling, arguing that the law addresses a failure by the Biden administration to secure national borders. Drummond indicated plans to appeal the decision, calling the law “one of the most powerful tools we have.”
Advocacy and Community Impact
Noor Zafar, a staff attorney with The American Civil Liberties Union’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, welcomed the injunction. Zafar described the law as harmful, with potential to disrupt families and communities in Oklahoma. “The court was right to block it,” Zafar said, deeming the ruling a victory.
