[RogueMom]

This will probably get bumped, but I am wondering what the effect of the HB1804 immigration law has had on the state since it's passage, both negative or positive.

I almost moved to Oklahoma two years ago, but family and a job brought me back here to North Carolina, where immigration is a big issue, especially in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

I am wondering what effect the laws the Oklahoma legislature put in place have had, if any. I would appreciate your perspective. Georgia passed somewhat similar laws.

Thanks!

[RogueMom]

Well, I guess that means it hasn't had much of an effect either way! Must be a sore subject or something.

[Brazilla]

Report’s findings can be broadly summarized into two major points. The first is that passage and implementation of HB 1804 has not had a dramatic impact on immigrants’ use of public services. The report finds little evidence of change in use of health care services, public school enrollment, or participation in Head Start programs. Despite much sound and fury about tightening eligibility for public benefits, the reality was that undocumented immigrants were already precluded from accessing most public benefits, such as food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare or cash assistance, following passage of federal legislation in the mid-1990s. The verification requirements mandated by HB 1804 for public benefits were already in place prior to the bill’s passage. At the same time, access to public school, basic health care, and services provided by non-governmental agencies remain outside the scope of both federal restrictions and HB 1804. The main changes in access to services attributable to HB 1804 involved new requirements to show proof of legal residency for professional licenses issued by the Health Department (e.g. food handler certificates and physician licenses) and tighter requirements that apply to all state residents for access to vital records (e.g. death and birth certificates) and drivers license renewals after expiration .

[StillwaterTownie]

Sounds like it was much ado about nothing for the most part and a way to get votes. But don't dare forget to renew your drivers license, if you're not sure where you birth certificate is.