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In response to a surge in border crossings and illegal immigration, Oklahoma has passed a series of strict new immigration laws aimed at curtailing the flow of undocumented immigrants into the state. The legislation, which was signed into law by Governor John Smith on Monday, includes provisions that will significantly increase penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers, as well as measures that will empower state and local law enforcement agencies to more actively participate in immigration enforcement efforts.One of the most controversial aspects of the new laws is a provision that requires all employers in the state to use the federal E-Verify system to screen job applicants for their legal eligibility to work in the United States. Employers who are found to have hired undocumented workers could face fines of up to $10,000 per violation, as well as the possibility of having their business licenses revoked.Additionally, the legislation empowers state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with federal immigration authorities to enforce immigration laws within their jurisdictions. This provision has drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates, who argue that it will lead to racial profiling and discrimination against immigrant communities.Governor Smith defended the new laws, stating that they are necessary to protect the citizens of Oklahoma and ensure that immigration laws are being enforced effectively. "We cannot sit idly by while our borders are being overrun by illegal immigrants," he said in a statement. "These new laws will send a clear message that Oklahoma is not a safe haven for those who wish to flout our immigration laws."The passage of the new laws comes at a time of heightened tension over immigration policy at the national level, with the federal government struggling to address a growing crisis at the southern border. Oklahoma's actions are likely to spark further debate and controversy, as advocates on both sides of the issue seek to shape the direction of immigration policy in the state and across the country.