A federal judge in Tulsa has dismissed the lawsuit filed by the National Coalition of Latino Clergy to stop HB 1804!
http://ztruth.typepad.com/ztruth/2007/10/breaking-new-fe.html
I heard this on the news. It wasn't given much attention and most viewers probably took no notice of the brief report. But Latinos in Tulsa have been waiting for news on this lawsuit as if it's the most important thing in their lives. Many Latin people both legal and undocumented are living in fear, fear of deportation, fear of being profiled. Many Latinos have left Tulsa. Many Latinos are waiting to see what happens November 1, with contingent plans to leave shortly thereafter. While the rest of us go about our normal lives, what was a very robust community here in Tulsa has been greatly diminished by HB 1804.
I believe that with time both Henry and our attorney general will regret the fact that they offered no opposition to this legislation – once political convenience passes and history takes over.
Unfortunately, opponents to the bill are filing another suit, this time with a beefed-up roster of plaintiffs. I feel confident the law will take effect as planned on the first, and that the new challenge will fail, but it's always a nail biter as the "big day" closes in.
It's already having the intended effect for our own state, but I hope surrounding states will follow our lead.
Any other thoughts on the new suit? Can anyone link to the story?