Arizona, Oklahoma and immigration laws
It’s been more than a month since my coworker Ron Jackson and I returned from an immigration fellowship hosted by the Institute for Justice and Journalism and the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
The fellowship, called Immigration in the Heartland, was designed to immerse journalists in the issues, arguments, faces and facts surrounding the immigration debate in the country. We heard from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, lawmakers, community leaders, naturalized citizens and undocumented immigrants. We talked to lawyers, judges and talking heads. Husbands, single mothers and students attending school in south Oklahoma City.
Most of the week-long fellowship took place in Norman and Oklahoma City. But we also spent time at immigration court in Dallas and other federal offices.
One of the requirements of the fellowship is that the journalists produce stories on the issue. This weekend, Ron and I will publish the first group of what we plan to be a series of stories about immigration in Oklahoma.
As Oklahoman and Miss USA first-runner up Morgan Woolard said, “It’s one of the most hot button issues in our country today.”
My hope is these stories will educate and foster informed debate on the issue. Keep an eye out for the stories here on Newsok and in The Oklahoman.
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Comments
I think Oklahoma should be getting similar laws as AZ. Here we are wasting $$ on the most stupidest court cases. And for WHAT?
Majority of unemployment here in this state can be attributed to illegal aliens.. FACT. I also just saw satistics on Food Stamp increase.
It’s an interesting debate. I’ve been looking for information about unemployment being caused by illegal immigrants. It’s an argument that’s used often but is very difficult to nail down with real facts and figures. If you see some information, please pass it along.
Fred,
Our objective is always to examine as many sides to the story as possible. People always say “Look at both sides,” but more often than not, there are many complex sides to a story and all of them deserve to be weighed.
We have people stories, economy stories, primers and other pieces in the works.
http://www.newsok.com/immigration
I do hope that you tell both sides of the issue and not just dwell on sob stories and tug at peoples heartstrings. There are other effects to our society besides the poor immigrant.
Look forward to the articles.