New immigration law could spell bad news for more than 100 OCCC students
By Eric Nguyen, Editor
and Matt Caban, Staff Writer
The status of a hundred OCCC students is uncertain as the college officials study a new state immigration law.
On May 8, Gov. Brad Henry signed into law House Bill 1804, an immigration reform bill authored by Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore). Passage of the bill created the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Act of 2007.
In an April 2 issue of the Pioneer, Terrill said the law would deny the state’s undocumented immigrant college students access to Oklahoma colleges.
He also said it would prohibit those students the ability to pay in-state tuition or receive state financial aid and scholarships.
Media Relations Coordinator Cordell Jordan said there are 104 undocumented students enrolled at OCCC.
He said only Tulsa Community College has a higher number of undocumented students in the state.
OCCC will take a course of action in the next few days, said President Paul Sechrist.
“[OCCC] is in the process of determining what the new law allows,” Sechrist said.
Schools statewide currently also are examining the potential effects of the law, said Academic Affairs Vice President Felix Aquino.
“It’s too early right now to make any specific statements on the effect of this new law, as educators across the state are addressing its impact,” Aquino said.
The law takes effect Nov. 1. The law requires undocumented students to verify that they have applied, or plan to apply, for U.S. citizenship within one year in order to enroll.
One Asian OCCC student, who wishes to remain anonymous, said the law is unfair and impedes on a student’s opportunity to get an education.
“People are coming [illegally] for a better life,” he said. “What did they do? Get a job. They go to school to do better. Everybody goes to school for a better life.”
Business sophomore Juan Posata said he moved to the United States two years ago from Columbia as a foreign exchange student. He concurs with the conditions of the immigration reform law.
“I think people should make an effort [to become legalized],” Posata said. “There are people who come [to the U.S.] legally and get the paperwork done. I strongly agree with this law.”
Editor Eric Nguyen can be reached at editor@occc.edu.
Staff Writer Matt Caban can be reached at seniorwriter@occc.edu.
