Oklahoma Senate Bill SCR12

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22

Caption

Concurrent resolution; requesting Congress to introduce provision to Refugee Act of 1980.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would influence the way refugee resettlement is managed across the United States. It would shift a portion of the authority from the federal government to the state governments, allowing states to establish their own protocols for approving refugee resettlement. This could lead to significant changes in the current procedural landscape by requiring coordination between state and federal authorities. The emphasis on state control may also reflect concerns over security and integration of refugees within local communities.

Summary

SCR12 is a Concurrent Resolution from the Oklahoma Legislature that calls upon Congress to amend the Refugee Act of 1980. The primary purpose of this bill is to ensure that any refugee resettlement within a state is contingent upon approval from the state's duly elected officials. This resolution underscores the belief that state input is crucial in the immigrant population's settlement process. The context for this bill arises from a perceived humanitarian crisis stemming from the situation in Afghanistan, where thousands of individuals are seeking refuge in the United States.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding SCR12. Proponents argue that state-level scrutiny is essential for addressing security concerns and ensuring that communities have a say in the refugee resettlement process. Critics, however, may view this move as an impediment to the broader objectives of refugee support and resettlement, potentially creating barriers that could hinder the assistance provided to those in need. This debate highlights the tension between local governance and federal immigration policy, as well as differing perspectives on humanitarian obligations.