Inhofe, Coburn Continue Opposition To Immigration Deal
Oklahoma senators dismiss new border security plan
By Chris Casteel
WASHINGTON — A new proposal in the Senate immigration bill to strengthen border security failed Thursday to sway either of Oklahoma’s senators, who are staunchly opposed to the sweeping reform measure.
Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, said the proposal to double the amount of border patrol agents, add 700 miles of border fencing and take other security measures didn’t promise results before allowing illegal immigrants a “fast-track to citizenship.”
The process for citizenship would begin “before they do any of the hard stuff,” Inhofe said.
Inhofe participated in a Capitol Hill news conference with three other Republican senators and tea party leaders opposed to the immigration bill.