Guest worker plan draws mixed reviews at Capitol ( Oklahoma)

[OKNancy]

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=336&articleid=20111212_16_A13_OKLAHO297092

OKLAHOMA CITY - A legislative proposal to create a state guest worker program for illegal immigrants is getting mixed reviews at the Capitol.

While some applaud Sen. Harry Coates, R-Seminole, for authoring it, many say it won't secure passage.
"I will probably support it," said Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa. "Now, will it go anywhere? I don't think so."

Coates earlier this month filed Senate Bill 995, which would allow illegal immigrants who meet certain conditions to work in the state.
Coates said the reaction from the general public has been negative, but those in the contracting industry support it because they are having trouble filling positions.

Illegal immigration has been a divisive issue among lawmakers and the public.
Sen. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, anticipates filing more bills cracking down on illegal immigration following the passage of House Bill 1804 in 2007.

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Me: I know a lot of businesses would like a bill like this. Everyone in Tulsa knows that the cook, or help at the Mexican restaurants probably don't have green cards. That goes for the gardeners who take care of the rich peoples homes and maids at the hotels.

Not first hand knowledge, but I did hear from a relative that the chicken farmers/ chicken plants in eastern OK are suffering because they lost a lot of people when the tough immigration bills were passed earlier.